Are we the true authors of our actions – or are we guided by a preordained fate? From the days of Greek philosophers to the present, the notion of free will and the question of whether humans can make their own choices is as captivating as ever. Those who think that free will exists consider it foundational to a rules-based society since it holds individuals accountable for their actions. Those who don’t believe in it argue everything that happens to us, and our actions and choices, is determined by prior existing conditions. Though we may feel in control of our actions, they are influenced by factors outside of our control, like upbringing, societal pressures, and biological predispositions.
With this background, we now debate the question: Do We Have Free Will?
Arguing Yes: Roy Baumeister, Social Psychologist, Author of “Free Will and Consciousness: How Might They Work”
Arguing No: Robert Sapolsky, Neuroscientist; Professor at Stanford University
Nayeema Raza, Journalist at New York Magazine and Vox, is the guest moderator.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Is It Time to Redistribute the Wealth?
Agree to Disagree COVID Series: Vaccine Mandates
The State of Debate: An Intelligence Squared Roundtable
Ray Dalio on How To Change Your Mind
Is Bitcoin More Than a Bubble and Here to Stay?
Is Anti-Zionism the New Anti-Semitism?
#192 - Is Taiwan Indefensible?
Agree to Disagree COVID Series: Vaccine Passports
#191 - Should We Legalize Psychedelics?
Agree to Disagree COVID Series: Vaccine Patents
#190 - Should We Forgive Student Debt?
Agree to Disagree: The Filibuster
Agree to Disagree: Slavery Reparations
#189 - Has the GOP Lost Its Way?
Agree to Disagree: Sex with Robots (Valentine's Day Special)
Agree to Disagree: Identity Politics
#188 - For the Last Four Years, America Got the Middle East Right
Is America Still A Model for the World?
Helen Fisher on How Genes Affect Your Politics
Intelligence Squared Year-Ender
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Regenerative Skills
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
The No-Frills Teacher Podcast
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast