Free will is an illusion.

Thank you :) I just would like to add that this has been most enjoyable, and we are only on the second round! Would also like to add Thanks for the refrain of Citation, as this is not a physical substance, we can explain how the brain ticks, however we are barely scratching the surface as to *WHY* - this is why I refrain from citation in this debate, as we are discussing the why. I did not mean the embarrassment comment to mean that I approach these with tentativeness - more in the way of 'This has X amount of risk involved." - The fact you came here with the debate topic exponentially increases the risk factor in my opinion. With the benefit of hindsight, I cannot see any other option for me to take, as in that scenario I am here to debate - I apologies for the poorly thought-out example, at the time I thought it to be a stroke of perception. :P ======= Okay, I have another example I would like to use to specify free will - You. What made you make this debate? Can you explain a chemical, logical, metaphysical reason as to why you felt inclined to create this debate? Did you have factors prior to this that pre-meditated this request for debate? I understand that you may have been curious, this is something that you have been thinking about for a long period of time, or something that you may have planned before raising this with me - I ask why? If not for free will, what other motivating factor caused for this entire debate thread to exist? ---------------- With regards to the other points you have raised regarding choices, I can attest that current mood can most certainly dictate what a human *WANTS* to do, but it does not mean that the want becomes the outcome - i.e. the action. Another personal example, as all I can do to prove my point is to base it from my experiences (Which is why I believe Free will exists!) - A few weeks ago I had to have a discussion with my Girlfriend outside of our home - so as not to disturb our roommates - She left before I went outside and it was rather chilly outside - Which I found out after already leaving the house. As I walked to the car (She had moved down the road as she was distraught), I texted to inform her how cold it was in a joking manner. Almost made it too the car, she started the vehicle and drove right back to the house (not far comparatively), my initial response was rage - I can honestly say I have never been more offended, angered, hurt and disturbed in my life! I stormed to the car (All notions of cold thrust away by Adrenaline) - and made my way back to the car. Entered all prepared for the argument that her snubbing would justly deserve - starting with a "What do you think that would achieve?" (My words may have been a little more 'colourful') She said she didn't see me (Note it was night at the time). Now, at that time - I was full of the angry, I didn't care what she said - I just wanted to Yell. However I took a second, I thought over the facts, the fact that I myself have done a similar thing (Missing when someone is right behind the car) and realized that she didn't mean it. At this point I am still shaking with anger and ready to yell - do you know what I did? I apologized, I was in the wrong and made the assumption before knowing the facts. I have felt the feelings that cause others to react without thinking - this is not a driving force - this is your internal choices telling you what they want you to do - I.e. RUN, or PUNCH, or even just yell at people! - All of these are choices that are provided by Chemicals, moods, time of day, fitness, mental state, physical state, frame of mind - A million things! However I chose to do the very opposite of what I wanted to do (Vent all those emotions to my Girlfriend in the form of a good ol' yell - as she was the cause of said feelings). That was my Choice. People making excuses for their actions such as 'I just saw 'red'" And believing that they had no choice in the matter are simply people attempting to make excuses where they will not be put in trouble. I have 'seen' that red - and then chosen to go another way (Not in the above situation, but in sporting circumstances).