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Intelligence Squared
Debate: Free Will is an Illusion
Jan 1, 2024
Join Susan Blackmore, a psychologist and consciousness expert, and Kevin Mitchell, a neuroscientist and geneticist, as they dive into the gripping debate on whether free will truly exists. They explore how consciousness, decision-making, and subconscious influences shape our choices, questioning traditional notions of identity and agency. With insights into the complexities of self, language, and even sports, they advocate for a compassionate understanding of behavior that goes beyond retribution. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey into the nature of human freedom!
53:52
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
Deep dives
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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Discover
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