[jampekka]

Free will is more ideological dogma than a factual claim. From materialist standpoint it's untenable. And empirically we see that environment dominates thinking and behavior.

Free will is the foundation of most judeo-christian moral systems, which were inherited by liberalism. It's the justification for punishshing and rewading individuals.

It seems to work relatively well, but I find it very cruel.

[robertlagrant]

> I find it very cruel

What's a better and less cruel alternative?

[jampekka]

Trying to address the problems in environments that produce unwanted behavior. And help the individuals exhibiting such behavior to change it.

I find re-education, be it camps or not, a lot less cruel and effective than e.g. throwing people in prisons or killing them.

[robertlagrant]

We already do this. "Re-education" (yikes at the word, but I see what you mean) is an attempt to get people to make better choices. E.g. to use their will to override their impulses.