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Renowned philosopher and podcaster Nigel Warburton hosts a debate on the illusion of free will. The speakers discuss the neuroscience behind decision-making, the impact of language and cultural evolution on human agency, and the construction of the brain and critical decisions. They also delve into the nature of agency and free will, and the implications of giving up the belief in free will. Susan Blackmore provides an opening speech on consciousness, memetics, evolution, and spirituality.
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- Free will is an illusion due to the lack of a persistent self and the influence of neuroscience in decision-making.
- Conscious cognitive control and the indeterminacy of the universe allow for purposeful behavior and choices, challenging the idea that free will is an illusion.
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The Illusion of Free Will
The podcast episode explores the concept of free will and whether it is an illusion. The debate centers around the idea that human agency and decision-making can be explained by evolutionary processes, genetics, and subconscious factors. Susan Blackmore argues that free will is an illusion, highlighting the lack of a persistent self and the role of neuroscience in understanding decision-making. Kevin Mitchell, on the other hand, presents the idea that humans possess conscious cognitive control, which allows for purposeful behavior and agency. He emphasizes that the indeterminacy of the universe provides room for organisms to exert control and make choices. The discussion delves into the distinction between agency and the sense of a persistent "me" inside the human brain. While the debate remains inconclusive, it encourages listeners to contemplate their own perspectives on free will.
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