Do We Have Freewill? / Daniel Dennett VS Robert Sapolsky

Two titans of neuroscience and philosophy come together to debate the existence of free will – a question with profound implications for identity, justice, and the very meaning of life itself.

Do human beings have free will?

For Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, science clearly demonstrates that free will is a powerful and dangerous illusion. Without free will, it makes no more sense to punish people for antisocial behaviour than it does to scold a car for breaking down. It is no one's fault they are poor or overweight or unsuccessful, nor do people deserve praise for their talent or hard work; 'grit' is a myth.­

But for philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett, free will is not only compatible with our current scientific knowledge but justified by it. Free will underwrites our moral and artistic responsibility – and reason and self-control are both real and desirable.

Coming together to debate this question for the first time, these two intellectual giants will delve deep into the science and philosophy of the mind and get to the heart of this ancient and vitally important question.

Whether you are a philosopher, psychologist, or simply interested in hearing new and profound reflections on human nature, this is an unmissable debate.

[gnarlow]

To say nothing of where I stand on this argument, these speakers have definitely helped me decide what kind of old guy I hope to be someday.

[noahbrown]

“A man can DO what he wills, but he cannot WILL what he wills”

[ralhamami]

"It's hard to keep that in mind. Keep it in mind for when it really matters...for when you're judging harshly." Loved that so much.

[_Weyson]

"People are conscious of their actions while ignoring the causes that determine them"
Spinoza

[alexxx]

A grave misstep was allowed before starting any arguments — that is not agreeing on the definition of the 'freewill' beforehand.

[christopherswanson]

I get the impression that both viewpoints are logical, but based on different definitions of free will.

[Greyscale]

"The past isn't even past. The past is who we are now." - Robert Sapolsky
Powerful.

[Dark_metta]

I love this conversation and have massive respect for Sapolsky especially, I can’t help but feel like this is mostly an argument about the semantics of what free will means to Dennett. And not actually about the lack of “will to will” that Sapolsky is referring to.

[dano]

“…even before I became daft for reading philosophers” Great comeback line. I like them both.

[JohnEP]

TL;DR: Daniel Dennett and Robert Sapolsky (epic intellectuals of our time) pretty much agree on everything, except on their *definition* of "free will." Sapolsky acknowledges his definition of free will is "radical, " and acknowledges Daniel Dennett's definition is classical "liberal." In the end, they both use consequentialist arguments to defend their conception of, "free will." Overall, I think Daniel Dennett had the better consequentialist and pragmatic arguments. Of course, Sapolsky would say I had *no choice* but to see it that way myself. Your mileage may vary. Thank you for this great debate between two fantastic intellectuals of our time!

[luisb]

Great discussion, Mr Dennett will be missed dearly

[achenarmyst]

I am very much attracted by Robert‘s view which effectively cuts off the basis of meritocracy. It has the capacity to reduce self centeredness and raise a profound understanding for the Other and the conditions that framed the positions she has arrived at in life.

[tommitchell]

Wonderful stuff. Definitely the debate I wanted to hear on this subject, between two of the thinkers I admire most. Dennett has a line about 'sophisticated' theists. Not quoting exactly but he says something like 'they're not stupid. They don't believe but they believe in belief.' It's a great line. The more I read and listen to him, the more I sense that he doesn't believe in free will, he believes in belief in free will. His slightly disbelieving 'but don't you want to be held responsible, Robert?' really brought this home to me. Like the believers in belief, who think we would lose our ability to act morally without it, he's terrified that without belief in free will, we'd 'run amok', as Sapolsky puts it.

[jamieanderson]

Define freewill first, once a consensus is reached, the debate can then and only then be of significance.

[Planturs]

Both tremendous individuals, glad this conversation could happen. RIP Daniel Dennett, he will always be remembered for his great contributions!

[garyhome]

How great it is to hear two great minds bring such "twinkle in the eye" tussling over the subject matter!

As an aside I would like to mention the passing of Professor Michael Sugrue a couple of days ago. A seriously wonderful lecturer and mind in the world of philosophy. He will be missed.

[alchemy]

I am looking at these two great minds and what do I see?
I see a certain display of authority/agency (meritocracy) in Dan's disposition while Robert takes no such position at all. He makes it clear that he need not be patted on the back or given brownie points for all the depth of knowledge he expresses. That is his whole point. He basically sees his presence like a vessel that things simply flow through so to speak and that is it.

[ericgraham]

The more I listen to Robert, the more I really understand and can’t help but agree with his argument. It seems to explain so much of what I experience in my daily life in dealing people. I don’t have a perfect life, I’ve had a lot of struggles, but I feel also incredibly lucky that I am who I am because I was able to get through them. I’ve seen a lot of other people go through what I have (addiction / etc) and they were not able to overcome it. I’m so thankful that I am who I am and that I’ve been able to correct a lot of life choices and get my life together. I’m no worse or better than anyone else, but I guess I’m just thankful for the values that I have, the upbringing I had, and the brain chemistry I have. I have no idea why I decided one day that I was tired of being a loser, because being a loser was a lot easier than all the work I have to do now, but I’m grateful that I did.

[heivmnox]

the more I listen to Robert Sapolsky the more he makes sense to the point where I can't comprehend Dennett anymore

[ivanm.r.]

"Choices are made, but there is no chooser" ~ Buda.