Tom and Andrew discuss determinism vs free will, nostalgia for a top-down worldview, religiosity among hyper-rationalists, the limitations of science and religion, transcendental experiences, and reflections on podcasting and artistic choices.
There is room for free will and choice, despite the influence of previous experiences, genetics, and brain activity.
The rejection of enlightenment values and rise of fundamentalist thinking undermine progress and individual agency.
Deep dives
The Absurdity of Absolute Determinism
The podcast episode delves into the ideas of absolute determinism proposed by Robert Sapolsky, who claims that there is no free will. This viewpoint argues that all human behavior is completely determined by previous experiences, genetics, and brain activity. However, the hosts highlight the limitations of this perspective, emphasizing that while much of our behavior may be influenced by these factors, there is still room for free will and choice. They reject the absolutist notion that all actions are predetermined and explore the importance of emergence and novelty in human experience.
The Attack on Enlightenment and Humanism
The discussion also touches on the attack on enlightenment values and humanism. The hosts argue that these are valuable frameworks that have brought about a shift from a God-centered worldview to one that centers on human autonomy and responsibility. They challenge the idea that everything is determined, pointing out the need to acknowledge free will and the role of emergence in our experiences. They express concern over the rejection of enlightenment ideals and the rise of fundamentalist thinking, which undermines the progress and individual agency that these values promote.
The Dangers of Absolutizing Science
The hosts criticize the absolutist mindset exemplified by Robert Sapolsky, who attempts to assert that science proves the nonexistence of free will. They argue that this perspective confuses the boundaries between science, philosophy, and religion, creating a dogmatic view that undermines the rich complexity of human experience. They highlight the important role of philosophy in understanding different frames of understanding and the inherent limitations of scientific reductionism. They caution against the danger of rejecting all other perspectives in favor of an absolute scientific worldview.
Transcendence, Emergence, and the Crack of Free Will
The conversation delves into the concept of transcendence and emergence, challenging the notion that everything is predetermined. The hosts discuss moments of transcendence and the possibility of free will that arise beyond deterministic frameworks. They argue that even in a largely deterministic world, there is still a crack, a window of free will and novelty that defies complete determinism. Through philosophical and spiritual perspectives, they offer a broader understanding of human agency and the potential for transcendental experiences.