Do we have free will?
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The topic of free will is discussed extensively by and his guests across various episodes of the . Here are some key insights:
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Biological Determinism: engaged in discussions with Robert Sapolsky who argues strongly against the existence of free will. Sapolsky suggests that our behaviors and decisions are the product of biological events pre-dating our conscious thoughts, making true free will unlikely. According to him, environmental, hormonal, genetic, and cultural factors predetermine our actions, leaving little room for free will as traditionally conceived 1.
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Neural Underpinnings: The debate also touched on how subconscious processes in our body, such as those in our gut, can influence our decisions without our conscious awareness. This discussion implies that much of what we consider 'free will' may be unconsciously predetermined by biological processes 2.
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Philosophical Perspectives: The illusion of free will was also a topic in a discussion with , where it was suggested that while we may feel we are making choices freely, these decisions could be the result of predetermined neurological processes. This aligns with views that challenge traditional notions of free will by pointing out the underlying neurological mechanisms that guide our thoughts and actions 3.
These discussions showcase a blend of neuroscience and philosophical discourse, questioning the traditional understanding of free will and suggesting it may be more about understanding our underlying biological and neurological processes.
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