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Robert Sapolsky’s Free Will Explained

Free will, its presence, and contradictions: Why does Robert Sapolsky believe it doesn’t exist?
December 31, 2023
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Robert Sapolsky Free Will Explained  
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Robert Sapolsky, biologist and neurologist at Stanford University, stopped believing in free will at age 13.

Shedding the concept “completely strikes at our sense of identity and autonomy,” the Stanford biologist and neuroscientist argues. It might also be liberating.

So, what does he mean by this?

Robert Sapolsky’s book “Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will” argues against the existence of free will. He asserts that our actions are shaped by factors like hormones, biology, childhood experiences, and life circumstances. Sapolsky’s approach considers neurons, genetics, sensory stimuli, and cultural context. He contends that these interconnected influences eliminate room for free will.

Explained: Why Doesn’t Robert Sapolsky Believe in Free Will?

Many new releases from Oct 17.

First up, Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will by Robert Sapolskyhttps://t.co/Ro3Pr8sF7e pic.twitter.com/PxQjTPC1un

— Joanne Manaster (@sciencegoddess) December 31, 2023

Robert Sapolsky, a renowned scientist, has made a name for himself through his extensive research, spanning from studying wild baboons in Kenya to delving into the intricacies of neuroscience. 

His work has shed light on how complex social dynamics among baboons can lead to stress and its impact on their health. 

In recent times, Sapolsky has shifted his focus to a subject that challenges our fundamental beliefs – the concept of free will. 

His latest book, “Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will,” presents a comprehensive argument against the existence of free will in any form. 

"We're just biological machines, and that's unnerving as hell to a lot of people: that we are nothing more or less than the outcome of what biology, interacting with environment, running on sheer chance, has done in making us who we are." (Robert Sapolsky) pic.twitter.com/HS0GOBL8kv

— J.H. Verbanck (@jhvbrandaan) December 26, 2023

According to Sapolsky, our actions are not the result of free choice but are instead shaped by hormones, biology, life circumstances, and childhood experiences.

Sapolsky’s stance is undeniably provocative, and he acknowledges that his goal is not necessarily to convince everyone but rather to encourage readers to question the deeply ingrained belief in free will that permeates our culture. 

The idea of relinquishing free will, he believes, strikes at the core of our sense of identity and autonomy, making it a challenging concept to embrace.

Sapolsky highlights in an interview with New Scientist that many philosophers, known as compatibilists, attempt to reconcile the existence of free will with the deterministic nature of the universe. 

Me when I remember I have free will pic.twitter.com/cGCbYyu5QC

— ImprovChan 🔜 LVFC, FWA (@TheRaoulChan) December 31, 2023

They acknowledge the presence of scientific facts like atoms, molecules, and cells while still asserting the existence of free will.

Sapolsky’s approach to understanding behavior is rooted in a multi-disciplinary framework. 

When analyzing human actions, he looks at a hierarchy of factors, including the role of neurons, hormonal fluctuations, sensory stimuli, neuroplasticity influenced by past experiences, genetics, and childhood development. 

These elements are interconnected, creating a continuous thread of influences that extends back to our ancestors and their cultural and environmental contexts.

just remembered im an artist with free will pic.twitter.com/MqJ26XprJM

— ciaran⁸¹ 🍉 (@UnknownAster) December 26, 2023

One of the critical insights from Sapolsky’s perspective is that all these influences form a seamless continuum, leaving no room for the insertion of free will. 

Our choices and actions are not isolated events but rather the outcome of a complex interplay of biological, genetic, and environmental factors.

Sapolsky also addressed the question of why humans seem wired to believe in free will. 

He suggests that self-deception may have evolved as a psychological defense mechanism to cope with the overwhelming notion that we lack free will. 

✨ Free Will & Infinite Potential ✨ pic.twitter.com/zoiR6O46f5

— 🪽 Michael LEO Rising ♌ (@IndianaQones) December 28, 2023

When people face stress or insurmountable challenges, they often experience a distorted sense of agency as a defense mechanism.

Sapolsky emphasizes that the assumption of the absence of free will should not necessarily be seen as a bleak revelation. 

While it may be disheartening for some, it can also be liberating for many others, especially those who have struggled with societal judgments and prejudices based on factors beyond their control. 

You are a drone. You have no brain. No thoughts. No intelligence. No logic. You were not meant to have free will. You were meant to be something like a mindless worker bug such as in an ant or bee colony. You are supposed to be thoughtlessly slaving away for nutrient sugar goop. https://t.co/IQW6SmdBsi

— Video Nasties 🇵🇲 (@53gaDr3amca5t) December 24, 2023

Sapolsky cites obesity as an example, where individuals often face lifelong challenges and stigma due to genetic and metabolic factors.

In Sapolsky’s view, recognizing the absence of free will can be a humane and liberating perspective. 

It allows us to reevaluate our judgments and assumptions about people and their actions. 

"All we are is the outcome of what came before," says Stanford Professor Robert Sapolsky. Therefore, he concludes, "Nobody deserves to be in jail, nobody deserves to have a corner office." pic.twitter.com/n6padMJXVm

— griffith conner (@griffithconner1) December 30, 2023

Overall, Robert Sapolsky’s exploration of the concept of free will challenges long-held beliefs and invites readers to question the nature of choice and agency in our lives. 

It reminds us of the continuous journey of self-discovery and the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of our existence.

What do you think of Robert Sapolsky’s research and theory? Does Free Will simply not exist?

Let us know whether you agree with his views or not in the comments below.

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Ishita Chatterjee
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Ishita Chatterjee is a full-time entertainment writer and part-time dreamer. Her dreams are populated with questions of whether Disney was right in canceling American Dragon Jake Long or if the DCU will ever reach the heights of the MCU. When she's not thinking about superhero franchises and cartoon characters, she's busy scrolling social media for the latest pop culture trivia or media. Armed with an M. A. in English Literature, she aims to make entertainment journalism fun and frothy. Along the way, she hopes Disney will revive their old-school cartoon shows.

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