No Stupid Questions 183. Does Free Will Exist, and Does It Matter?
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Feb 18, 2024 The podcast delves into the philosophical debate surrounding free will, questioning whether we truly have agency. Listeners share their thoughts on how beliefs about free will impact empathy and responsibility. Engaging anecdotes are interwoven with insights from notable thinkers like Sam Harris, highlighting the constraints of genetics and environment on our choices. The complexities of learned helplessness are explored, illustrating how external influences can affect behavior and mental health. The conversation wraps up with light-hearted anecdotes about secrets, emphasizing their emotional weight.
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Free Will as Illusion
- Sam Harris argues free will is a "necessary illusion" for processing life.
- He suggests those troubled by the concept should avoid the discussion.
Introduction to Harris
- Angela Duckworth learned about free will from Brian Galla, a postdoc.
- He introduced her to Sam Harris' perspective during his transition from hippie to academic.
Sapolsky's Determinism
- Robert Sapolsky argues against free will in his book "Determined".
- He believes every argument for free will can be refuted by examining a person's background and genes.
