You Have No Choice But to Read This

Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky's new book, 'Determined,' revives the age-old debate over free will

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Arushi Garg over 1 year ago

Hey Dan! As always, loved your writing! However, I disagree with the first argument you make against free will.

“If you accept determinism and a lack of free will, and then change your decisions in any way, you’ve negated the argument. The moment you decide to forgive a murderer because free will is an illusion, you’ve affirmed your ability to make choices and, therefore, your belief in free will.”

Is this really the case? Is one not merely making a choice at this time? A different one than previously made, but a choice nonetheless. Who says that this new choice is not determined by our biology? The nature (biology) and nurture (environment/experiences) would influence whether they are more or less likely to change their choices, i.e., their ability to be flexible.

I tend to think in a way that aligns with Sapolsky (and compassion). However, I agree that philosophically free will or the lack thereof is hard to argue about. Particularly, because either point is non-falsifiable.
Best,
Arushi

Antiship100 Walton over 1 year ago

Dan. Loved this. Sam Harris is obsessed with this notion. And his Waking Up app which teaches Buddhist Vipassana aka Insight meditation lets you explore the free will illusion during meditation. I recommend. Although once I did it, I kind of gave up all my pursuits and became a lazy ass for a while. It’s easy to get into a what’s the point mentality. Sam says free will is no doubt an illusion but that choices matter. A paradox I can’t wrap my head around. Of course I want to make the best possible choices. But how on earth do I have control over those choices? Mindfulness Meditation is advertised as helping you make more skilled choices. More compassionate choices. I am a long time consistent practitioner and I have seen myself able to pause watch my biological reaction then react from a “higher” more “compassionate” place. But that was not me doing it. It’s simply causal and conditional phenomena. What the heck am I supposed to do with that? Haha. Where I have landed is to try to surround myself with as much wise insightful inspirational and deep media and people. So that good mojo causes and conditions keep coming my way. Then the world is pushing “me” toward those wise compassionate realms. You are part of that media plan, Dan! Keep it up!!!