Within Reason #55 Robert Sapolsky - Free Will Doesn't Exist. Now What?
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Feb 11, 2024 
Robert Sapolsky, renowned neuroendocrinology researcher and Stanford professor, dives into the compelling debate on free will. He discusses how biological and environmental factors intricately shape our decisions, challenging the idea of personal agency. Through intriguing examples, like the impact of hunger on judicial choices, he reveals the depth of determinants influencing our actions. Sapolsky also reflects on the implications of these ideas for moral responsibility, encouraging a more compassionate society by questioning traditional views on praise and blame.
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Hungry Judge Effect
- The "hungry judge phenomenon" study showed parole decisions were influenced by how long it had been since a judge ate.
- Judges were more lenient after lunch and harsher when hungry, impacting parole outcomes.
Randomness vs. Free Will
- Randomness doesn't equate to free will; even random brain events are governed by biological mechanisms.
- Our brains determine when to be indeterministic, further challenging the concept of free will.
Phineas Gage
- Phineas Gage's personality changed after a rod went through his brain, damaging his frontal cortex.
- This case shows how brain damage can drastically alter behavior, demonstrating the brain's role in personality.
