> We always react to the environment we have, how could we do otherwise?
But that wasn't the question. The question is are we bound to (only) react or
is there also free will?
A comic strip invents the Dick Tracy communicating watch 70 something years
ago.
Ever since that "desire" was created, technologists have been reacting to it
(the historical environment) and Samsung will offer the first mass market
cellular phone watch this month.
We are always free to TRY to create the environment we want (Bill Gates sure
tried!), but we are also restricted by the the environment we have, which
arose from the competing environments that others were and are are trying to
create. Another case in point: left-wing socialists, right-wing capitalists,
and middle-of-the roaders are all competing to create preferred environments,
so we get a real stew.
This may be one of my last emails from home, since Al Gore has encouraged OSHA
to regulate my home office (or, ingeniously required my employer to do the
dirty work for them). The left AND right ought to unite to keep government
regulators out of my home. Thanks to all the political candidates who have
been silent on this issue.
--
Prof. John Naman Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh