Do animals have free will?

[infinitelord1]

Any comments?

[jezic]

hmm that is prolly a good question. I don't know so much.

Why is it important?

[Aloysius]

it is not as free human's will is... they are governed more by instinct and reaction, and they have mortal souls focused more on their earthly life with no eternal existence. in that they are governed by instinct and do not hold immortal souls they cannot sin, but they can choose their actions basically. many of their actions are just reactions to environment based on instinct, but there is a certain extent of free will involved. they are not controlled by God or anything, and they are not FULLY controlled by instinct and nature but are to a great extent.

[Socrates]

Not in the true sense of being able to choose good or evil.

An animal's "choices" are determined by its senses, appetites, instincts, conditioning, etc.

[infinitelord1]

this doesnt matter at all i was just curious cuz i had an arguement with a friend about it.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

[quote name='Socrates' date='Apr 14 2005, 09:46 PM'] Not in the true sense of being able to choose good or evil.

An animal's "choices" are determined by its senses, appetites, instincts, conditioning, etc. [/quote]
Bingo.

Animals, therefore, are incapable of true love...just a side note...

[Paphnutius]

Hey Micah,

Do you remember freshman philosophy and reading Descarte and how animals cannot feel anything?