The case against free will

In this episode of The Gray Area, Sean Illing interviews Robert Sapolsky, a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford, about his book "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will." Sapolsky argues that free will is an illusion, and our understanding of the brain supports this. They discuss determinism, compatibilism, and the implications of rejecting free will on moral and legal systems. Sapolsky contends that our actions are determined by a combination of factors beyond our control, including genetics, environment, and past experiences. The conversation explores how this perspective challenges traditional notions of blame, punishment, meritocracy, and achievement, suggesting a need to rethink societal structures and interpersonal relationships. Despite the difficulty in fully embracing a world without free will, Sapolsky advocates for a more compassionate and understanding approach to human behavior, similar to the shift in societal attitudes towards epilepsy.