The Good Fight
Robert Sapolsky on Free Will
Nov 11, 2023
Neuroscientist and primatologist, Robert Sapolsky, debates the existence of free will and its implications on criminal law, love, and friendship. Chapters explore the influence of identity synthesis on institutions, the absence of free will and determinism, the concept of agency, and the implications on human behavior and relationships. The podcast also discusses societal intuition and the evolution of judgment.
01:12:27
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Quick takeaways
- In a deterministic worldview, the justification for blaming and punishing individuals becomes difficult, as their actions are influenced by factors beyond their control.
- Biology plays a significant role in shaping our behavior and decision-making process, challenging the notion of agency and control over our preferences, values, and choices.
Deep dives
The Implications of Determinism on Blame and Punishment
The podcast episode explores the implications of determinism on how we assign blame and punishment. It highlights that in a world where free will is rejected, it becomes difficult to justify blaming or punishing someone for their actions, as those actions are determined by factors beyond their control, such as genetics, environment, and biology. However, it acknowledges that society still relies on punishment as a means of maintaining order and deterrence. The podcast raises the question of whether punishment is truly justified in a deterministic worldview.
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