Stanford Psychology Podcast 15 - Robert Sapolsky: Why Society Would Be Fairer If We Stopped Believing in Free Will
Oct 7, 2021
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Compatibilism vs. Incompatibilism
- Most philosophers believe in compatibilism, where a deterministic world and free will coexist.
- Sapolsky, however, argues for incompatibilism, believing free will is impossible in a deterministic world.
The Illusion of Free Will
- Free will is an illusion stemming from our inability to grasp the complexity of factors influencing our actions.
- These factors range from immediate stimuli to long-term biological and environmental influences.
Emotional Appeal of Free Will
- The belief in free will is emotionally appealing because it allows for blame and praise, supporting our sense of agency.
- Studies show that manipulating belief in free will has limited effects on behavior, unlike long-held beliefs.