I have a question about free will, and it has to do with eggplants (aubergines). I happen to like the darn things, sliced, floured and fried, with just a blessing of cheese added after they come out of the skillet. Now, I know eggplant is not good for me, it contains solanins that exacerbate my polyarthritis, but I like the flavor and have good memories of consuming them in the family home. Yet, irrationally, I occasionally treat myself to an eggplant, knowing it will cause me joint pains all over.
My question is this: If I choose to eat eggplants, knowing they will cause me to suffer, am I engaging in an act of free will, or is there another explanation for my irrational behavior? And if it is not free will, what is it that drives people to do things they know are not good for them? Are simple pleasures really simple?
