What is humanly possible? Is there anything we as people cannot do?

In a similar thread to last time, we can do many things, but some of the things we do can only be done through mechanical aids. Once again, this begs the question: Does this disqualify our actions as our own? Zubair says yes, they are no longer valid, since it is not we who are doing anything at that point. What do you think?

Also, from our recent discussions: St. Augustine said that the only thing we can do is to act as God, to be as perfect and virtuous as possible.

But as we all know that we, as people are imperfect. So does that mean that that we cannot do as St. Augustine says, or that it is even more desireable?

Also from a brief, non-verbal conversation: We as people cannot judge who goes to Heaven or Hell (or appropriate equivalents). That is left to (the) God(s).

Taking  a step back...

Lets see if any philosophers' ideals apply to my question. In my topic, people's actions aren't really are, nor are they becoming,unless you say they are becoming an actuality, in which case they are in fact both. People's actions, while they exist in the person's imagination, simply are. As the person acts, the action forms an ideal, and becomes reality.

But this has very little to do with what we as people can do. Therefore Heraclitus, Paramenides, Democritus, and Empedocles are not really applicable.

However, there may be philosophical theories that apply to my question, in terms of ethics and views. See What should we do?.

SO from above, if machines disqualify our actions, there is quite a lot we cannot do(!). But what should we define as mechanical aid? Simply a knife or plow as technology, or an entire airplane? 

For now, I will say the that machines and technology do not disqualify our actions, as they are merely an extension of ourselves. - Addendum: Descartes says that humans are the "perfect machine", taking much influence from the mechanistic world view endowed by the Baroque period. So we could simply be creating simple beings, (insofar) void of thought, who are better suited at doing tasks that we would like completed.

Here we are left with one option. If we can do anything, (besides that ordained by God) what should we do?

Well, here I can apply philosphical mindsets, such as the epicureans, the nihilists, and the mystics.

Epicureans - They would think that the only things we should do are those  concerned with our own satisfaction and pleasure.

Stoics - They woud think that we should not really do anything in terms of resistance, only to persevere and endure anything that comes their way.

Nihilists - would say that we can do anything, a there is no way to prove that anything is wrong. And there is no reason other wise to not do so.

Cynics - would think much like the epicureans, except that they would do things that do not neccessarily have to do with any material objects.

Neoplationists - Care more about the nature of God and the world. It is rather vague.

Mystics - They would also attempt to reach God, by living a life of purity and self-sacrifice, of virtue.

On another note, are we simply acting under God's will? Do we have any choice in what we do? Is there such a thing as Fate? (separate question/philosphical ties)

I'll say that we do have free will. The existence of free will is possible and likely, while fate can neiother be proven nor disproven. If fate does exist, then every action we do is preordained, and so are our thoughts then. Even our decisions to defy fate (if you can really call it that) are pre-decided, and are actually fruitless in nature. Also, if fate does exist, then there is no consequence for our actions, since it is "destiny" and punishing or rewarding what would have happened anyway is somewhat useless. Unless the consequence is fated. AGH.

Like I said, fate can not be proven or disproven.

"He who knows right, does right." - Socrates

Socrates believed that  anyone who has knowledge of the good or the correct, will act accordingly.

But of course, we humans are creatures of circumstance, and our actions, be they wrong or right (as based on society's values and morals), are based largely on the situation, and a person who knows "right" may not always act so.

For we have eaten of the Apple of Knowdege of Good and Evil, and we therefore know right and wrong. As such, we can act both rightly and wrongly. If we're taking a biblical approach to things.

Kant mentioned certain "forms of intuition" that govern how we percieve the world around us. Think jugs. It is my belief that these same defining structures (i.e. time and space)  also define our actions. for what are they but the manifestation of our thoughts? As such, we can only do what is defined by time and space, along with physical properties of matter.

So we can't stick our hand through walls (without destroying them), travel backwards through time, exist in two places at once, or substitute for a car engine when the need arises, or survive in temperatures in excess of 50 degrees celsius.

ISU Dialogue: HERE