If our consciousness and life in general is a product of chemical reactions and evolution, and Darwins theory or evolution is correct, then why have we evolved the ability to make decisions rather than to be a slave to instinct like animals are?

Surely, as history suggests, the ability to make a decision is a threat to the survival of life more than anything else.

Would this mean that nature is imperfect, or is there a reason that we have this ability?

God gave it to use to test our faith in him.

And once again God doesnt know what choices we will make but what will be the outcome of a choice we make.

quote:Originally posted by OMr_duckO:

God gave it to use to test our faith in him.

And once again God doesnt know what choices we will make but what will be the outcome of a choice we make.



What if the outcome of a choice, was someone else choosing something?

Only the lowest animals such as insects are truly "slave to instinct." They can afford to rely entirely on instinct because they reproduce in mass amounts and use simple behavior. However, for organisms that need more complex and adaptive behavior, the animal needs to be able to learn and make choices. It is a natural advantage.

Like Clarphimous already said (or implied) we're not the only animals that make "decisions".

Moreover, could you please substantiate the claim that "making decisions" is a threat to a species own survival?

quote:Originally posted by joecaveman:

What if the outcome of a choice, was someone else choosing something?

Yes good point sometimes i feel that im not choosing for myself and that im not controlling myself but being driven by something else. So we could just have instinct but not know it.

We don't make choices - Determinism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Determinism)

Daz: We don't make choices - Determinism

The definition of "choice" we are going by is the brain's process of weighing different options with logic to see which one comes out with the best outcome.

Yes^, our choices may fall in line with determinism. But we still choose.

Then if you believed in Fate, all this would be wrong.

Given that, i don't believe in fate.