Posted: Jul 22, 2014 3:45 pm
NuclMan wrote:DavidMcC wrote:Missing the point completely! The "clean slate" debate is about something else entirely - it is a false model of the mental development of a baby. I am not talking about that, OK.How are decisions "caused" by the enviromment? It is better to regard them as being influenced by the environment. The idea that we never have choice when making decisions (because the environment made it for us?) is an inadequate one, only applying to unconscious decisions, because we sometimes actually have to think, as when making important decisions when time is not short. I note that your list does not include what is in in your mind!
I don't think anyone is claiming the bolded bit,. What are you talking about then?
I thought it was obvious - decisions made by individuals who have been through the baby phase, and can make conscious decisions. Babies do not think, or make conscious decisions until a certain age - they rely initially on instincts to determine their behaviour. They do not theorise, etc. These instincts end when they become conscious/sentient, and can think.