Redewenur wrote:

"By 'predetermined framework', I take it that you mean a framework consisting of factors including genes and environment influences and so on, as discussed previously."

I think we all agree with that now. However the point is, is the future pre-determined? I'd say almost certainly not. However it will be determined by our collective actions in the present. Our actions in the present are influenced, at least to a fairly large extent, by our genes and environment, also as discussed previously. The main thing we can change is our upbringing. Education (in the widest sense) will be able to improve our future. Unfortunately many people are sidetracked by what John Ralston Saul calls false populism and the technique of fear. Now if the Revs and Religion would help us oppose these most of us at SAGG would cease knocking them, perhaps even join them. But religion usually survives through false populism and the technique of fear.