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YouTube

The Illusion of Free Will - Understanding Determinism and Human Behavior

The University of Chicago via YouTube

Overview

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Delve into a thought-provoking 35-minute lecture where Stanford University professor of biology and neurology Robert Sapolsky challenges conventional beliefs about free will and human decision-making. Explore the scientific evidence suggesting that biological mechanisms not only influence but completely control human actions, based on insights from his latest book "Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will." Learn how genes, hormones, culture, and environment shape human behavior through the lens of determinism, and examine the potential societal implications of accepting a worldview without free will. Consider alternative approaches to justice and social responsibility, including the quarantine model for handling dangerous individuals, while grappling with the philosophical and practical challenges of living in a deterministic universe.

Syllabus

Introduction
Exploring the Concept of Free Will
The Influence of Biology on Human Actions
The Illusion of Free Will
Understanding Determinism
The Role of Biology, Genes, and Hormones in Determinism
The Impact of Culture on Determinism
The Role of Environment in Determinism
Challenging the Concept of Free Will
Implications of Lack of Free Will on Society
The Quarantine Model for Dangerous People
Conclusion: The Struggle of Living Without Belief in Free Will

Taught by

The University of Chicago

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