There can be no observational evidence for or against total predestination (I mean what would it look like?), so an argument about it will almost certainly fail and do nothing but drive everyone insane. Case in point:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ravashak
If there was a preset destiny for everyone, it takes away the responsibility someone has.
"Why would I care about the things I do, I'm meant to do it anyway, or I wouldn't be doing it" is a very silly/stupid way of thinking, but it'd justify all actions in the minds of those that are... less stable.
Even if there was a being / group of beings that controlled the fates of every being, unless they want to screw things up worse than they already are at places, it's important that we at least have the illusion of choice, which would also bring a feeling of responsibility, because it was their own choice (or so they think).
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That would only work if free will actually exists but people think it doesn't; reality isn't swayed by arguments from consequences. If there were a set fate for all things, every belief and every action would be powerless to change it, or do anything at all except
be it. After all, there isn't always a consistent causal chain leading from beliefs to actions. (see also: hypocrisy, doublethink)
Really, the only difference between free will and predestination is that the former
seems to be true. So most people will believe in free will, but if you want to be all skeptical and doubt everything that isn't certain, which is everything, you can always go for predestination.