Finding Mastery with Dr. Michael Gervais Is There Free Will? The Unsettling Science Behind Our Everyday Decisions | Dr. Robert Sapolsky
Oct 18, 2023
Dr. Robert Sapolsky, an expert in the science behind our everyday decisions, challenges the concept of free will and argues that our actions are driven by factors beyond our control. He explores the influence of biology, environment, and intent on decision making. The podcast also discusses the impact of factors like fatigue, hunger, and hormones on our choices, and emphasizes compassion towards neurological conditions. It explores the concept of free will's effect on joy and happiness, determinism and personal agency, and the role of external influences on decision making.
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Room Smells Can Shift Political Views
- Tiny situational cues shift major attitudes: garbage smell increases social conservatism; cookie scent raises generosity in economic games.
- These one-second environmental inputs change behavior without conscious awareness.
Fetal Stress Shapes The Brain Before Birth
- Fetal environment links maternal socioeconomic stress to infant brain development via stress hormones crossing the placenta.
- Early prenatal stress sculpts brain regions that later influence perception and behavior.
Judges Grant Parole Based On Hunger
- A parole study showed judges grant parole about 60% of the time right after lunch and nearly 0% just before a meal.
- Sapolsky highlights how blood glucose and prefrontal function drive this hungry-judge effect.