random selection

[AntonioLao]

In human affairs random selection is also known as random choice. The question to ask is there such a thing as a random selection? At the outset it must be clarified that it is not the same as free will.

When Darwin formulated his theory of evolution his modus operandi is based on the process of natural selection by which life forms retain favorable characteristics adaptable to all sorts of environmental constraints, e.g., harsh climate, depleting food supply, mating competitions, and other effects that threaten survival and continuation. The main purpose of natural selection then is 1st to survive and second to continue the generation of a particular species. Therefore it is not the same as random selection.

The word ‘random’ means something made or done without conscious efforts or choices. And in statistical sciences that use mathematics of probability theory random events mean equally likely events, that is to say having equal probability of occurrence. However, there are undeniably mutually exclusive events in the real world. Some examples of mutually exclusive human emotions are (1) no person can be happy and sad, (2) love and hate, (3) laugh and cry at the same time. The time separating these mutually exclusive emotions could be split seconds and not a few minutes, hours, days, years, or centuries. Nonetheless, within human interactions, various forms of racial hatred are known to last a long time, generations after generations. The root of all evil could then be the cause of random selection. That is caused without conscious efforts, intellectual reflections, educated or well informed choices. Is random selection equivalent to having no choice? So what does it mean when someone said: the situation gives me no choice? Is this a statement of fairness?

A life guided entirely by random selections is a life without a goal or a purpose and consequently it becomes a meaningless animated existence.

[mkirkpatrick]

Another excellent thread starter Antonio,you have made me think,I will have to consider
before saying more.thank you.




regards michael.