FBL115: Robert Sapolsky - A Determined Future, With No Free Will
Oct 16, 2023
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Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky discusses the illusion of free will, redefining justice, basic income solutions, the purpose of the illusion of free will, and creating a kinder society in this thought-provoking podcast.
Our decisions are influenced by biology, environment, and genetics, challenging the concept of free will and the morally bankrupt idea of blame and punishment.
Cultural evolution, driven by emotional appeals and transformative events, can lead to a society that recognizes the arbitrary nature of privilege and treats all individuals with fairness and compassion, shifting away from praise, blame, and meritocratic systems.
Deep dives
Rethinking Free Will and Responsibility
Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky argues that free will is an illusion and that the concept of blame and punishment is morally bankrupt. He explains that our decisions are influenced by a complex interplay of biology, environment, and genetics, and that these factors shape us in ways beyond our control. Sapolsky believes that society should shift towards a quarantine model for criminal behavior, focusing on containment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. He acknowledges that societal transformation will be challenging, but draws parallels to previous cultural shifts in areas such as abolition and animal rights. Sapolsky envisions a future where blame and entitlement are replaced with empathy and a recognition that luck plays a significant role in individual outcomes.
The Power of Cultural Evolution
Sapolsky emphasizes the importance of cultural evolution in driving societal change. While scientific knowledge alone may not be sufficient to shift perspectives, he argues that transformative events, such as high-profile cases and influential personalities, can generate momentum towards more empathetic and humane viewpoints. Sapolsky believes that the key lies in gradually challenging deeply ingrained beliefs about free will and reevaluating praise, blame, and meritocratic systems. He suggests that cultural evolution, driven by emotional appeals and singular events, can lead to a society that recognizes the arbitrary nature of privilege and treats all individuals with fairness and compassion.
The Need for Restorative Justice
Sapolsky advocates for a shift towards restorative justice, moving away from punitive measures and focusing on rehabilitation and intervention. He proposes a quarantine model for criminal behavior, where individuals who pose a risk to society are contained but not subjected to blame or punishment. Sapolsky highlights that pre-emptive interventions should address the root causes of anti-social behavior, such as adverse childhood experiences, socioeconomic disparities, and brain development. He argues for a holistic approach that combines appropriate support systems, access to education, and intervention programs to ensure a society that focuses on prevention rather than punishment.
The Challenge of Overcoming Deeply Ingrained Beliefs
Sapolsky acknowledges that overcoming deeply ingrained beliefs about free will and responsibility is a significant challenge. He highlights the role of self-deception in maintaining a sense of control and purpose in life. Sapolsky suggests that the process of cultural evolution requires a collective effort to challenge existing narratives and redefine societal norms. He encourages individuals to confront their own biases and recognize the arbitrary nature of privilege and meritocracy. While the journey towards a more compassionate and equitable society may be arduous, Sapolsky emphasizes the potential for real transformation and the creation of a world driven by empathy, justice, and a deeper understanding of human behavior.
This week our guest is Stanford neuroscientist, Robert Sapolsky. You may know Dr. Sapolsky from his incredible 25-part lecture series on Youtube, his triumphant book, Behave, or his guest appearances on the Joe Rogan and Huberman Lab podcasts.
And if you know him from any of these things, you may also know that Sapolsky isn’t a big fan of free will. In fact, he wrote an entire book about it, Determined, which is set to release on Oct 20th. And it is this very book we will explore in this episode, in no small part because understanding how we make choices will drastically alter how we shape our future societies.
