One of the world's greatest scientists of human behaviour shows
that free will does not exist - and challenges us to rethink the
very notion of choice, identity, responsibility, justice, morality
and how we live together. 'One of the best scientist-writers of our
time' Oliver Sacks 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.
General
Imprint: |
The Bodley Head Ltd
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Release date: |
October 2023 |
Authors: |
Robert M. Sapolsky
|
Dimensions: |
240 x 156 x 40mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover
|
Pages: |
528 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-84792-553-4 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-84792-553-7 |
Barcode: |
9781847925534 |
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