#23: Free Will Emergence, Religion vs Atheism | Robert Sapolsky Father-Offspring Interviews

Episode 23 of Father-Offspring Interviews. Topics include Free Will as an emergent property, religious vs. atheist generosity, and John Newton.

NOTE: Captions are now embedded on YouTube, so be sure to activate them in the video settings.

0:00: Intro
0:12: Question 1 (Emergence of Free Will?)
8:25: Question 2 (Religious vs. atheist generosity)
21:04: Question 3 (the inspiring John Newton)

[Xochitl-iics]

I'm petitioning for an episode where Safi gets a mic, and we get to hear what the real brains behind these interviews has to say

[MechasCalvo]

Professor Sapolsky is a great storyteller. It is pleasure to hear him!

[hegelianlover]

I sincerely hope these never stop. Hell, I'll even sing amazing grace if be it.

[RoiHolden]

I am honored to have my question answered. Thank you for taking the time.

[MrJerryStevenson]

Two things:
1. Uncool: knowing of the term necro-bestiality.
2. Cool: hearing Sapolsky swear finally. Made my day. 😊

[misslayer]

I'm a first-year neuro student and I just finished reading Determined(about to start Behave). I just have to say it was phenomenal...there were a lot of jaw-dropping moments. Even for somebody who, more or less, already agreed with you( at least when it came to the neuroscience aspect since that's the research I was already aware of). Anybody who happens to see this and hasn't read the book needs to do so immediately. I'd already watched a ton of podcasts with Dr Sapolsky, but it's just not the same. Read it. I read both the hard copy and I listened to the audio version and my only complaint is that the audio version didn't have him reading. I know that's asking a lot though, but I just love his voice lol

[Philusteen]

I love these comversations. Thank you both for sharing your time. Dr. S - someone posted one of your old lectures thats not on the Stanford channel called "the biological underpinnings of religiosity." I can't express adequately how much your work and, well - your "you-ness" has meant to me. Peace to both of ya. 🖖

[jeremymr]

The story of John Newton is fascinating and this reminds me of Scrooge from A Christmas Carol and how he didn't just suddenly choose to be good--he was only able to change for the better after being taken on a terrifying supernatural time travel journey. I suspect if everyone had ghosts that could guide us and show all the ways we're having a negative impact on people's lives we'd probably all change for the better at least a little bit.

[lizlemon]

Thank you for your mini lectures…you’re making me more of a critical thinker.

[NathanWilliams-jn]

So glad my John Newton queston got answered, thank you very much! Such a fascinating story.

[owatchtheweb]

This feels like listening to the wise old man in the village passing knowledge to the next generation before the written word.

[a.bodhichenevey]

OUTSTANDING!!!! Thank you so much for these lectures. Keep them coming!

[Stallagmite]

As a Christian, I deeply appreciate Sapolsky's thoughts and brilliance on these topics 😀. The difference for me is that I do believe, even if I don't do the best job at it, in the things Atheist are valuing in terms of goodness and generosity. The frustrating thing is seeing such an inward or in-group focus in so many religious people 🙁

[parttimepart]

I just found the atheist shoe shop. In German it also means atheist. They are based in Berlin, which is the German version of Soddom and Gomorra. However, they state clearly on their website that they respect every religion and have quite a comprehensive explanation of their atheism. They also did a study on shipment discrimination.

[sarahtenbensel]

Well there is a pull toward being more "spiritual" rather religious-a category I place myself in. Likely more heterogeneity! Moving away from dogma, "otherness" towards collective well-being, similar to values among atheists I assume. The atheists I have met have pondered long and hard about their category and I deeply respect and appreciate that.

[MarvinMonroe]

Swami Medhananda has a good talk on Determinism and talks a lot about Sapolsky and pretty much agrees 100%

[christinley]

Keep giving me knowledge.. im
Listening:) thank you both so much.. this is my go to! Love the beard;)!

[timmyI]

Those are some good closed captions. I know how much work that can be. tyvm.

[kavorka]

Thank you for "Behave", Robert Sapolsky ❤

[KeithCooper-Albuquerque]

Thanks you two! I very much look forward to these episodes!