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No Stupid Questions

183. Does Free Will Exist, and Does It Matter?

Feb 18, 2024
41:09
Snipd AI
Neuroscientist Sam Harris, psychologist Robert Sapolsky, and others debate the existence of free will and its implications. Topics include learned helplessness, decision-making, and personal agency in various contexts. The discussion explores the philosophical and psychological aspects of free will, challenging traditional beliefs and examining the impact on individual behavior.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Belief in free will influences behavior towards ethics and punishment.
  • Taking responsibility for choices leads to a sense of empowerment and agency in life.

Deep dives

The debate around free will

The podcast hosts delve into the question of whether free will exists and discuss the implications of believing in or denying its existence. They share personal anecdotes and mention the perspectives of experts such as Sam Harris and Robert Sapolsky. The conversation highlights the distinction between control over one's behavior (free will one) and the effect of one's actions on the world (free will two). They also explore the idea of treating others with compassion, regardless of one's belief in free will.

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