Bald Eagle,

Not sure why causation would imply that everything is a giant machine. If we set up the row of dominos so that they will fall when the first is pushed, that is an example of causation. However, humans (and probably most other animals) appear to have at least some degree of free will. I can choose whether or not to push the first domino. I can even stick my hand into the line of dominos and stop them before they reach the end.

Yah, yah! Simplistic as hell, but a reasonable analogy.

However, Skeptic, I'm not prepared to accept that "causation is universal" implies the impossibility of precognition. No, I have NO experience with precog; never even known anyone who did. (My possibly psychic experiences lie more in telepathy.) But please explain your reasoning more completely; mine is not thought through.

Finally, going way back up the thread, I have to agree that "belief" (perhaps "faith" would be a better term) tends to blind the believer to reality. I try to avoid "believing" in things. I have certain opinions about reality, but they are always subject to change upon evidence to the contrary.

Fascinating conversation!!!

BB,
NightWing