Robert Sapolsky, professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University, discusses free will, determinism, and the influence of beliefs on behavior. Topics include reductionism, punishment, restorative justice, the illusion of self, evolution of punishment, luck, and the meaning of life.
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Quick takeaways
Background factors such as upbringing, genetics, and early life experiences significantly influence behavior, explaining why some individuals exhibit violent or impulsive behavior.
Determinism acknowledges that while we are not completely free in our choices, we still possess degrees of freedom to consider multiple possibilities and take action based on circumstances and experiences.
Although complete predictability may not be achievable, studying factors like genetics and adverse childhood experiences can inform interventions and support systems for anti-social behavior.
The concept of free will is complex and influenced by various factors such as brain structure, genetics, upbringing, and life experiences, requiring a nuanced examination of deterministic influences and degrees of freedom.
Deep dives
The Influence of Background on Behavior
Background factors such as upbringing, genetics, and early life experiences have a significant impact on an individual's behavior. These factors can determine a person's likelihood of engaging in certain behaviors, such as violence or addiction. Studies show that chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting impulse control and self-regulation. Understanding the influence of background factors can help explain why some individuals exhibit violent or impulsive behavior, while others do not.
Determinism and Degrees of Freedom
Determinism acknowledges that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are influenced by a range of factors that are largely outside of our conscious control. These factors include genetics, brain chemistry, upbringing, and life experiences. While determinism suggests that we are not completely free in our choices, it does not mean that we have no agency at all. We still possess degrees of freedom to consider multiple possibilities, form intentions, and take action based on our circumstances and experiences.
Predictability and Individual Variation
While it may not be possible to predict an individual's exact actions or behaviors, we can observe statistically significant patterns and trends based on various factors such as genetics, upbringing, and environmental influences. Studies show that adverse childhood experiences, chronic stress, and brain abnormalities can increase the likelihood of engaging in anti-social or violent behavior. Additionally, certain factors can contribute to an individual's resilience and capacity for self-regulation. While complete predictability may not be achievable, increasing understanding of these influences can inform interventions and support systems.
The Complex Nature of Free Will
The concept of free will is a complex and multifaceted topic that is influenced by a wide range of factors. While it is clear that our behaviors and decisions are influenced by various background factors and environmental circumstances, the exact nature and extent of our free will remain a subject of debate. Factors such as brain structure, genetics, upbringing, life experiences, and individual traits all contribute to our capacity for agency and self-determination. However, understanding the complexities of free will requires a nuanced examination of both deterministic influences and the degrees of freedom we have in shaping our own lives.
The Illusion of Free Will and Emergent Systems
The podcast episode explores the concept of free will and its relationship with emergent systems. The speaker argues that while emergent systems, such as the brain, give rise to complex behaviors and consciousness, they do not grant individuals any additional control or freedom beyond the underlying mechanistic processes. The idea that emergent properties allow for manipulation of basic building blocks, such as individual neurons, is deemed incorrect. The episode further emphasizes that the recognition of our machineness should not diminish the significance of our feelings, moral choices, and empathy towards others.
The Limits of Punishment and the Importance of Empathy
The podcast delves into the concept of punishment and justice. The speaker discusses the flaws in retributive justice and highlights the importance of restorative justice, focusing on consequences, containment, and understanding the root causes of harmful behaviors. The episode argues for a shift towards a society that emphasizes empathy, understanding, and prevention, rather than blame and punishment. It also emphasizes the need to address social factors that contribute to violence and wrongdoing, and the recognition that many individuals face injustices due to circumstances beyond their control.
Finding Meaning in a Universe without Inherent Purpose
The podcast reflects on the existential question of meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. The speaker acknowledges the scientific understanding that attributes events to the chain of causality, without any ultimate purpose or significance. However, the episode highlights that as human beings, we still experience genuine feelings and emotions, which hold personal significance and value. The speaker encourages embracing feelings of love, gratitude, and happiness, while maintaining empathetic concern for others, without necessarily seeking a cosmic or universal significance to our actions.
Meet Jared Diamond and Michael Shermer: https://skeptic.com/event
Robert Sapolsky is the author of A Primate’s Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone, and Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. His most recent book, Behave, was a New York Times bestseller and named a best book of the year by the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal. He is a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant.” His new book is Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will.
Shermer and Sapolsky discuss: free will, determinism, compatibilism, libertarian free will • Christian List’s 3 related capacities for free will • how what people believe about free will and determinism influences their behaviors • the three horsemen of determinism: (1) reductionism (2) predetermination; (3) epiphenomenalism • dualism • punishment • retributive vs. restorative justice •Is the self an illusion? • game theory evolution of punishment • luck • and meaning (or lack thereof).
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