Factually! with Adam Conover

Free Will Does Not Exist with Robert Sapolsky

Jan 31, 2024

Robert Sapolsky, a neurologist from Stanford University, joins Adam Conover on this episode to discuss the illusion of free will. Sapolsky believes that our choices and behaviors are influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and culture, dismissing the idea of agency. They explore the social and ethical consequences of this belief, including implications for criminal justice reform. The podcast also touches on the impact of socioeconomic status on brain development. Sapolsky's book, 'Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will,' is recommended.

01:13:13

Episode guests

Robert Sapolsky

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Free will is an illusion, and our actions are determined by biology, genetics, and environment.

The absence of free will challenges our current systems of blame, punishment, and reward, calling for equal consideration and questioning the principles of meritocracy and criminal justice.

Relying on intuition to determine the existence of free will is misguided; critical thinking helps us better understand the complexities of consciousness and free will.

Deep dives

The Illusion of Free Will

The concept of free will is an illusion, according to neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky. He argues that our actions are determined by factors such as our biology, genetics, and environment. We don't actually have the ability to make choices independent of these influences. Sapolsky points out that our sense of agency is limited to the conscious awareness of our intentions and the belief that we have alternatives. However, when examining the factors that shape our decision-making, such as our hormone levels, childhood experiences, and cultural background, it becomes clear that the notion of free will is baseless.

Introduction

5min

The Illusion of Free Will

22min

Exploring Healthy Eating and Green Chef's Meal Kit Option

2min

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Brain Development

7min

The Illusion of Free Will

9min

The Social and Ethical Consequences of the Argument about Free Will

29min

Exploring Free Will and Determinism

2min

Does free will truly exist, or are we merely sophisticated meat machines running our biochemical programming with sentience as a byproduct? Stanford University neurologist Robert Sapolsky, having extensively studied the topic, asserts that not only is free will a myth but also that our insistence on its reality adversely affects the world we inhabit. In this episode, Adam speaks with Dr. Sapolsky about how choice is an illusion and the impact this has on our society, from workplace meritocracies to criminal justice reform. Find Dr. Sapolsky's book, Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will, at factuallypod.com/books

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