Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 134 | Robert Sapolsky on Why We Behave the Way We Do
49 snips
Feb 15, 2021 
In this insightful conversation, psychoneurobiologist Robert Sapolsky delves into the intricate factors influencing human behavior. He tackles the debate surrounding free will, examining genetic, hormonal, and evolutionary components that shape our actions. Sapolsky explains how empathy and rationality intertwine in decision-making, and highlights the role of implicit biases driven by the amygdala. He also explores how ancestral influences affect modern behavior, ultimately urging listeners to reconsider the complexity behind what drives us.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
No Single Explanation for Behavior
- No single discipline explains human behavior.
- Genes, brain chemistry, hormones, and evolution all play a role.
Free Will: An Illusion?
- Free will is merely undiscovered biology, influenced by factors beyond our control.
- Science continually reveals biological influences on behavior.
Subconscious Decisions
- Subconscious forces drive our decisions, not conscious deliberation.
- We rationalize moral choices with post-hoc justifications.
