Determined - A Science of Life Without Free Will
Author(s): Robert M. Sapolsky
One of the world's greatest scientists of human behaviour, the bestselling author of Behave, shows that free will does not exist - and challenges us to rethink the notions of choice, identity, responsibility, justice, morality and how we live together.
'One of the best scientist-writers of our time' OLIVER SACKS
'A bravura performance . . . moving, absorbing, compassionate' OLIVER BURKEMAN, Observer
Behind every thought, action and experience there lies a chain of biological and environmental causes, stretching back from the moment a neuron fires to the dawn of our species and beyond. Nowhere in this infinite sequence is there a place where free will could play a role.
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. This mechanistic view of human behaviour challenges our most powerful instincts, but history suggests that we have already made great strides toward it: where once we saw demonic possession or cowardice, for example, now we diagnose illness or trauma and offer help.
Determined confronts us with our true nature: who and what we are is biology and nothing more. Disturbing and liberating in equal measure, it explores the far-reaching implications for society of accepting this reality. Monumentally difficult as it may be, the reward will be a far more just and humane world.
'Utterly fascinating ... with mind-boggling implications' FRANS DE WAAL
'Wonderfully readable ... humorous and warm and humane' Justin Webb, Today (BBC Radio 4)
Product Information
General Fields
- :
- : Penguin Random House
- : Jonathan Cape
- : 0.78
- : 18 October 2023
- : 4.5 Centimeters X 16.2 Centimeters X 24 Centimeters
- : books
Special Fields
- : Robert M. Sapolsky
- : Hardback
- : English
- : 528