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Comment by Scarblac | Hacker News Reader

I don't think they "just happen", but they originate in ways that aren't accessible to consciousness.

So to consciousness they suddenly appear, but it was still my brain that formed them, so me.

All that you see is also a representation in your mind formed by your brain. Is everything in your visual field similarly "you"? If not, what makes thoughts different?

> to consciousness they suddenly appear, but it was still my brain that formed them, so me.

Interesting philosophical position! I've rarely seen that position be held in earnest, because the obvious consequence is that you should be held fully responsible for anything possibly criminal you do while sleepwalking, as it was still on your brain's orders, regardless of your state of consciousness.

Our brains often cause us to do things we consider accidents, e.g. fumbling an egg. It's still me that has done it, and I am still responsible to clean up the mess. The fact that I didn't do it 'deliberately' doesn't negate my culpability and responsibility, although it may change its character.

What is certain about accidents is that they are outside of our control. They are not what anyone would call, of our own free will.

I agree. I think where we might differ though is that I think we can be considered responsible for accidents but I think you were arguing that that was a hard position to take.

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