Jack Hirschfeld referred to our cultural myth of freedom, theory of free
will, and belief that we are individually responsible for our behavior and
notes the contradictions aroused in people when they consider manipulation
as an attempt to control or direct others' behavior.
AH! A juicy dilemma to hold! Along with our theory of free will we have a
theory of behavior control or determinism, which we have always presented
as an either-or question to resolve. It rather seems to be a tension we
must hold, as both forces seem to be at work in various times and
contexts. I've been thinking about it as having both free will and being
influenced by external factors.
(I'm setting aside for the moment any comments about the bit on
"individual responsibility and accountability for our behavior." Our
"myths" are certainly shifting rapidly here...)
Diane Weston DMWeston@AOL.COM