The Ben Shapiro Show If There Is No God, Is There Free Will? | With Alex O’Connor
Jan 7, 2024
Alex O’Connor, also known as CosmicSkeptic, is a political commentator and YouTube personality who dives deep into philosophical questions. He discusses whether free will is contingent upon the existence of God, exploring determinism within a materialistic worldview. O’Connor challenges the idea of absolute self-determination, considering how evolutionary and environmental factors influence our choices. He also examines the complexities of the self in the context of atheism, provoking thought on decision-making and its philosophical implications.
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Free Will Debate
- Alex O'Connor and Ben Shapiro discuss the existence of free will, disagreeing on its connection to God's existence.
- O'Connor argues against free will, while Shapiro suggests free will depends on something extranatural.
Determinism and Purpose
- Shapiro suggests that a deterministic worldview can be demotivating for most people, making a purposeful life difficult.
- He posits that even determinists may live with an "illusion" of free will for meaning and purpose.
Deconstructing the Self
- Ben Shapiro argues that Alex O'Connor's view of the self deconstructs it into parts, negating the concept of a deciding being.
- Shapiro believes the self is inherently a deciding entity, incompatible with O'Connor's deterministic view.