[hmkpoker]

No, no, no, no, no.

First off, if determinism is true, we have to rethink our position on justice. Perhaps the correct thing to do to a criminal in some situations is try to correct him (imagine that!) rather than brutally punish him.

Morality, as you point it out, is archaic and useless. As a useful tool, morality provides a few guidelines which, if followed by each social member, enable all of them to live a happier life. That's the only useful purpose it has. Morality has to be based on determinism (or its more correct alternative); not the other way around. The physical theory is more fundamental.

I believe in determinism, yet you don't see me socking the dealer. That will get me thrown out of the casino or worse. I'm aware of that, and that awareness helps cause me not to do something stupid.

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Believing in determinism may lead to choices that are practically irrational (drawing to a the low end of a straight), as well as morally deplorable (socking the dealer when your straight hits and you lose to the high end).

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow, did you pull that right out of your ass? DETERMINISTS DON'T DO THIS! It DOESN'T make you insane or angry or deadly or nihilistic or any of that. I don't know why people think determinism is dangerous, and I think it's because they can't think about reality clearly.