Philosophy For Our Times Free will is not an illusion | Denis Noble
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Nov 7, 2023 Renowned physiologist Denis Noble argues that free will is not an illusion, challenging the materialist view. He explores the connection between free will, physiology, and philosophy, discussing the role of empirical investigation in understanding decision-making processes. Noble also examines the complexity of life, highlighting the unique properties of water and the role of chemistry in supporting organisms. He explores stochasticity and errors in DNA replication, questioning the assumptions of the selfish gene theory. Finally, he discusses the interplay between choices, genetics, and physiology, using examples to explore the relationship between free will and physiological processes.
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Organisms and Determinism
- Living organisms, composed of chemical compounds, might appear chemically determined.
- However, their unique chemistry, particularly concerning water and membranes, suggests otherwise.
Water and Membranes
- Water's unusual properties, like being liquid at a wide temperature range and its relationship with fats, are crucial for life.
- Membranes, formed by fats, house key control processes relevant to choice.
Genome and Choice
- The genome, despite being called the "book of life," doesn't contain the conditional logic necessary for choice.
- Control routines enabling choice reside in cell membranes and their protein channels, not the genome.