Quote Originally Posted by Elliette View Post
I agree with the first part, but do take exception with the last part. I make decisions every day which go against my "nurture". We are not automatons, programed by biology and past experience only. We can learn from experience and make decisions based thereupon. Yes, society does play a large part both in influence and in the kinds of opportunities available from which to choose - but it does not need to dictate. This is how progress is made.
You kinda just made my point, we all believe we have free will, but pretty much every bit of psychology suggests that our actions are determined by what's going on around us - not just based on our past but also the present situation. This allows for progress as well, you know, just because our actions may be influenced by what it going on around us - it does not mean we all make the same choices. Even reactionary behavior can be explained with out free will.

If free will exists, what's doing the willing?

IMO, the less we know about 'nature' the more we will learn in the long run - we can cure a whole lot of ills by changing the way our 'developed' society runs.