Three possibilities come to mind:

Is there an evolutionary purpose?

Does it arise as a consequence of our mental activities, a sort of side effect of our thinking?

Is it given a priori (something we have to think in order to think at all)?

EDIT: Thanks for all the responses! Just one thing I saw come up a few times I’d like to address: a lot of people are asking ‘Why assume this?’ The answer is: it’s purely rhetorical! That said, I’m happy with a well thought-out ‘I dispute the premiss’ answer.

  • @morphballganon
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    -25 months ago

    Because determinism is too depressing for small minds.

    • @Feathercrown
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      25 months ago

      Really making a strong argument by calling people dumb. If you were as smart as you think you are, you would realize the value of empathy.

      • @morphballganon
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        -25 months ago

        Your response was an emotional one, which does not mean my argument is incorrect. However, it does reveal your insecurities.

        • @Feathercrown
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          25 months ago

          If you think you can accurately diagnose my insecurities from one comment, I don’t know what to tell you. My response evoking an emotional response in you does not make it in itself emotional. I wrote it sitting on the toilet because I was bored at work, not because I felt that it was especially important.

            • @Feathercrown
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              15 months ago

              Careful, your response quality is slipping. You don’t want to put even a little effort in?