Determinism
Does materialism require determinism? Isn’t it possible to be a materialist who believes in free will (at least the ability to veto in terms of Libet experiments)?
Not on a logical level. It is possible to hold a non-deterministic materialist position (if you accept that there are gaps in physics, i.e. that the behavior of physical matter is not dictated by circumstances). With the exception of quantum theory (which also involves randomness and not choice), the accepted assumption in science is that everything is predetermined. Therefore, even if there is no logical necessity, the connection between the ideas is still essential. I explained this in my books on the science of freedom and I think also in the article summarized here:
https://mikyab.net/%D7%9B%D7%AA%D7%91%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%90%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9D/%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%98-%D7%A9%D7%99%D7%98%D7%AA%D7%99-%D7%A2%D7%9C-%D7%97%D7%95%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%A6%D7%95%D7%9F/
Is there absolutely no place in the material world for man to be the first causer of his actions? I am quite materialistic in my views, but on the other hand I have difficulty accepting man being a Matrix robot; intuitively it doesn't work for me.
So you'll have to decide. Life is not a guava. You always have the option to disagree with the laws of physics and then everything will work out with everything. If it seems more reasonable to you, and it is right in your eyes to do so in order to preserve the materialistic position – for health.
I didn't understand your answer. Do you mean that one must give up materialism (accept dualism-the existence of spirit, etc.) in order to consistently continue to hold that I have free will?
Indeed. Alternatively, you can give up the laws of physics and then matter is not necessarily deterministic.
It's the same as someone who wants to eat delicious and healthy. Not a problem, unless you pay more. The product of taste, health and cost is constant. Upgrading one requires sacrificing the other. So it is with us: materialism, the laws of physics, and free will do not go together.
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