Wild with Sarah Wilson cover image

Wild with Sarah Wilson

JOEL PEARSON: Do we have free will? Is anything our fault?

Oct 22, 2024
Joel Pearson, a neuroscientist and cognitive expert from the University of New South Wales, explores the intriguing question of whether free will is merely an illusion. He delves into the implications of AI and social media on our choices, highlighting the risks to personal agency. The conversation also touches on the synchronization in nature, like murmurations, and how compassion can reshape our understanding of responsibility. Ultimately, Pearson challenges us to reconsider our beliefs about autonomy and the impact of external forces on our decision-making.
57:55

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The concept of free will may be an illusion shaped by genetics and environmental factors, challenging our understanding of personal agency.
  • Determinism suggests that our decisions are influenced by factors extending back to the origins of the universe, complicating accountability.

Deep dives

The Nature of Free Will

The notion of free will has been a contentious topic among philosophers and scientists, with many arguing that it is an illusion. This perspective suggests that our choices may not be as autonomous as we believe, but rather influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, past experiences, and external factors. For instance, research indicates that decisions may be determined in the brain before we are consciously aware of them, with some studies demonstrating that brain activity can predict choices up to 11 seconds prior to a person's conscious decision. This challenges the traditional view of personal agency and responsibility, raising important questions about accountability in various social contexts.

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