Life Without Free Will || Robert Sapolsky

What this episode covers

Today we welcome Robert Sapolsky to the podcast. ​​Robert is professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and a research associate with the Institute of Primate Research at the National Museum of Kenya. His research has been featured in the National Geographic documentary "Stress: Portrait of a Killer". At age 30, Robert received the MacArthur Foundation's "genius" grant. He is author of Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers, A Primate's Memoir, The Trouble with Testosterone and Monkeyluv. His latest book is called Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will. In this episode, I talk to Robert Sapolsky about life without free will. Humans like the idea of having control over their lives, but Robert asserts that free will is just an illusion. Life beyond free will may sound unpleasant, but Robert explains the profound consequences of this belief in reforming the justice system, meritocracy, and education. We also touch on the topics of philosophy, quantum physics, mindfulness, grit, and responsibility. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertsapolsky/   Topics 02:38 Robert’s background and upbringing 05:43 Life without free will 13:16 Believing in free will 24:05 Responsibility and punishment 33:14 The future cannot be determined 43:45 Mindfulness - a form of free will? 48:37 The human experience 53:41 Abolish the justice system and meritocracy 1:04:03 Statistical guilt 1:07:21 Effort, grit and taking credit 1:16:40 Nobody is more “worthy”  1:23:29 Life is worth living See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.