ROBERT SAPOLSKY: biological determinism

This episode explores the intersection of stress, social dynamics, and free will through an interview with Robert Sapolsky. Against the backdrop of Sapolsky's extensive research on baboon social hierarchies and stress responses, the discussion delves into the biological mechanisms underlying stress-related illnesses. More significantly, Sapolsky argues for a deterministic view of human behavior, asserting that free will is an illusion and our actions are determined by a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. For instance, the conversation examines the role of genes and environment in addiction, highlighting the influence of prenatal stress on dopamine systems. In contrast, the hosts and Sapolsky debate the implications of determinism for personal responsibility and societal values, exploring whether concepts like praise and blame remain relevant in a deterministic framework. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the complexities of human behavior and the ongoing tension between scientific understanding and philosophical interpretations of free will and moral responsibility.