The Human Intelligence Podcast What Most People Get Wrong About Free Will and Genetics | Dr. Damien Morris
4 snips
Dec 19, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Dr. Damien Morris, a behavioral genetics philosopher from King's College London, dives deep into the complexities of free will, genetics, and accountability. He discusses the often-misunderstood relationship between genes and behavior, introducing the concept of "free will by subtraction." Dr. Morris also critiques the idea that ignorance equates to freedom and explores how philosophical frameworks shape our understanding of moral responsibility and the societal implications of genetic research. Intriguing insights await!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Humanities To Behavioral Genetics
- Damien Morris describes his path from humanities to behavioral genetics after reading G Is for Genes and being transformed by the evidence.
- He enrolled in a master's near his home and pursued a PhD at King's College, shifting careers from climate policy to genetics research.
Free Will By Subtraction Defined
- Morris names a common hidden theory 'free will by subtraction' where unexplained variation is treated as freedom.
- He argues ignorance of causes cannot ground genuine free will under secular materialism.
Genetics Can Trigger Resistance
- Accepting strong genetic causation can make people resist behavioral genetic research and prefer ignorance.
- Morris warns this resistance risks shrinking perceived agency and increasing support for coercive policies.
