The Supernatural Nature of Freewill

The implicit idea in my previous post is that, to truly be free, choice must be supernatural. I used the example of quantum particles exhibiting a measure of ''choice'' in their random behavior. And, that being a micro example, I think our own freewill serves as the macro illustration of this idea.

I see a connection between the behavior of quantum particles and our own freewill in that we choose from a limited amount a choices. The number and kinds of choices we are able to make are restricted by the physical world, which provides the framework in which we choose. Just as physical laws provide a quantum particle with a limited amount of choices, similarly we are limited by numerous physical variables. The physical world provides the boundaries, but the choice made within those boundaries must be a supernatural event if it can be considered free.

Let's say you had to choose to walk through one of three doors. The choice you make is limited to the physical situation you act in. For example, you certainly do not have the freedom to choose a non-existent fourth door, so in those terms your choice is somewhat determined; three doors have already been ''chosen'' for you by the physical existence of only three doors. But, consider the point at which you decide on one door out of the three. Is your choice dependant on the physical situation you act in? If so, the chosen door is just as determined as the original restriction of the existence of only three doors.

Remember, according to materialism, we exist in an exclusively material universe so that our minds are a product of material causes. So, in that worldview, there is no level of mental process that is free of a restrictive physical situation.

If the material causes occuring in your brain restricts you to one door (the door you seemingly ''chose'') then your apparent decision was only the expression of a materially determined process. According to materialism, your brain processes and any other physical variables at play must have applied a physical restriction to the point of choice because choice happens in a competely physical universe. But, at some point, the physical universe must stop providing material causes if our choices are said to occur independently of a closed casual chain. So if there is freewill, a supernatural event happens at the point of seperation between the framework of restrictions determined by material causes and a free choice.

Just as a quantum particle jumps from one point to another seemingly defying rigid physical restrictions, our choices are a supernatural jump from one link in a casual chain to another. In other words, quantum mechanices and our free choices do not follow a linear series of cause and effect. It is not A then always B then always C, it is A then {B, C or D}. And that jump from A to {B, C or D} cannot be explained in physical terms because once it is then it is again a linear series of cause and effect.

If every choice I make can be explained in physical terms then those decisions must have been arrived at based on the unwavering physical laws that govern all matter. But, if the potential to explain all choice does not exist then materialism must concede that freewill is proof for the existence of the supernatural. Simply put, if you can tell me what physically caused my choice then I am not free; if you cannot then freewill is supernatural and materialism is false.

Something must come from outside the physical chain of cause and effect for free acts and thoughts to occur. If freewill is natural it is physically determined and therefore illusory.

Your thoughts.