Can we change a determinate, subconscious process into a conscious, free will process simply by being aware of, and consciously compensating for that process?
The argument is not that there's no free will because all our decisions happen on a sub conscious level. A lot of them do, but a conscious decision doesn't equate to free will. We may well know why we decide on something. At an obvious level, we hand our wallet over to prevent being shot. That's obviously determined. But you may say that that's not a choice because you were compelled.
Therein lies the problem. When you don't know that you've been compelled, then you think it's free will. When you are not aware of your decision being determined by what has happened a few seconds ago, a few hours ago, years ago, decades ago, millions of years ago, then it feels
exactly like free will.
Quick example. I'm doing this 5:2 diet because I needed to lose a few kilos (it's worked for me before and it's working well now). But yesterday was my (very) limited calorie day. And I haven't had breakfast yet so my blood sugar is quite low. And I know from past experience that makes me Mr. Grumpy. And I am. So what I am doing right now is affected by that. I had to edit a post I just made because it came across as being frustrated by the question that was asked of me. And I just had to prevent myself giving a snippy answer to my wife when she asked me a simple question.
And here's part of an article that discusses the problem from a police viewpoint:
https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/interview-considerations-blood-sugar-dysregulation/
'Blood sugar dysregulation not only has been shown to negatively impact one’s mood, behavior, and energy levels but also to negatively impact memory, concentration, and focus. The response to highs and lows in blood sugar levels by suspects, witnesses, and victims likely has significant implications for criminal justice interviews of suspects, witnesses, and victims.'
It goes without saying that low blood sugar will also affect the police themselves, and parole officers and judges. If you have to appear in court on any charge then try to make sure it's an early afternoon session. You don't want people making decisions about your punishment on an empty stomach.
Here's another example where someone is getting a retrial because of that problem:
Diabetic wins chance for new assault trial
'During his trial, Garcia didn’t dispute that he attacked his wife but said he wasn’t legally responsible because of hypoglycemia. Doctors testified that symptoms of the condition can include a loss of motor skills and an altered mental state that can “prevent rational thinking, planning, deliberation and even appreciation of what (one is) doing.”
And here's a medical paper addressing it:
Forensic aspects of hypoglycemia: Diabetic Hypoglycemia
'Within a few years of the introduction of insulin for treatment of diabetes, hypoglycemia was recognized as a cause of behavioral changes that amounted, in some cases, to criminality. Neuroglycopenic subjects have been charged with a range of offences both minor and serious. Manifestations of neuroglycopenia include confusion, irritability, and irrational anger, whether preceded by autonomic symptoms or not. It is these features that may bring patients with hypoglycemia into conflict with the law.'