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#61 - Debating Free Will: Frankenstein's Monster and a Filmstrip of the Universe (with Lucas Smalldon)

Jan 17, 2024
Lucas Smalldon, a blogger and critical rationalist, dives into the intriguing debate of free will versus determinism. He unpacks whether our thoughts are genuinely our own or shaped by genetics and environment. Drawing on the metaphor of Frankenstein's monster, he explores how instinctual desires influence moral decision-making. The conversation critiques traditional views on morality, urging a deeper understanding of human behavior and accountability, all while illuminating the complexities of mental health and societal influences.
01:42:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast discusses the coexistence of free will and determinism, illustrating that both concepts can be contextually relevant at different levels of explanation.
  • Lucas Smalldon introduces critical rationalism, arguing that while determinism frames fundamental actions, free will retains significance in moral and human behavioral discussions.

Deep dives

The Free Will Debate

The discussion centers on the philosophical tension between free will and determinism, sparked by an earlier conversation between the hosts. They delve into a critique of Sam Harris’s perspective, which posits that human decisions are the result of prior causes beyond one's control. The conversation highlights that while individuals may feel they have the ability to make free choices, their options are often shaped by an array of antecedent factors, such as upbringing and genetics. The guest, Lucas Smalden, argues that free will and determinism can coexist and suggests that our understanding of choice might vary at different levels of explanation.

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