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The Science of Free Will: How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees
Every individual, from the most profound thinker to the casual observer, is composed of atoms - approximately 6.71×10^27 of them. These aren’t just any atoms ... they’re the same ones that construct galaxies, stars, and the vast expanse of the universe. Predominantly, we’re made of water molecules and a diverse mix of organic molecules. Intriguingly, every single one of these atoms operates under the deterministic laws of quantum electrodynamics. These laws, known since the 1950s, form the bedrock of chemistry, biology, and by extension, life as we know it. If the laws of physics fully determine the motion of every atom in our body, how could we possibly have free will - or do we have it after all?
- GenresPhilosophyScience
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
11 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 31, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! This book was exactly what I needed to reconcile my growing belief or understanding that the universe, space-time, and everything in it is deterministic, while it being obvious that I and others seem to have free will, and chaos theory works to predict some things in computer science and other sciences as borrowed from physics. With that is an explanation, that, of course, until something happens nothing happens. It discusses modules – discreet units in everything from brains to machines including computers. The emergent nature of consciousness Is discussed, and how different entities and types have differences, although we’re made up of the same elements and subatomic particles.
The author goes into some elemental economics, which make sense from my own background.
The chapter on determinism was VERY DIFFICULT to get through, although I know how it basically works from philosophy classes and books, and understand (to a degree) how the subatomic physics behind it all works. I’ve never seen it put together this way. It took me awhile, but it gave me an understanding that I’ve been looking for philosophically for a long time.
Wow! This book was exactly what I needed to reconcile my growing belief or understanding that the universe, space-time, and everything in it is deterministic, while it being obvious that I and others seem to have free will, and chaos theory works to predict some things in computer science and other sciences as borrowed from physics. With that is an explanation, that, of course, until something happens nothing happens. It discusses modules – discreet units in everything from brains to machines including computers. The emergent nature of consciousness Is discussed, and how different entities and types have differences, although we’re made up of the same elements and subatomic particles.
The author goes into some elemental economics, which make sense from my own background.
The chapter on determinism was VERY DIFFICULT to get through, although I know how it basically works from philosophy classes and books, and understand (to a degree) how the subatomic physics behind it all works. I’ve never seen it put together this way. It took me awhile, but it gave me an understanding that I’ve been looking for philosophically for a long time.
February 28, 2025
The author illustrates how chaos and complexity emerge from deterministic systems, creating the illusion of choice and unpredictability through examples ranging from traffic dynamics to bee behavior. This analysis offers a deeper understanding of how our perception of free will can coexist with a deterministic universe.
Varma’s writing is both accessible and deeply informative, making complex scientific concepts comprehensible even to non-experts. Reader reviews highlight how the book provides a fresh perspective on the debate between free will and determinism, encouraging profound reflections on the nature of consciousness and human agency.
So, this is an essential read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of science, philosophy, and the nature of human existence. Varma presents a balanced and engaging discussion that challenges preconceived notions while enriching the reader’s understanding of one of the most fascinating questions of human nature.
Varma’s writing is both accessible and deeply informative, making complex scientific concepts comprehensible even to non-experts. Reader reviews highlight how the book provides a fresh perspective on the debate between free will and determinism, encouraging profound reflections on the nature of consciousness and human agency.
So, this is an essential read for anyone interested in exploring the intersections of science, philosophy, and the nature of human existence. Varma presents a balanced and engaging discussion that challenges preconceived notions while enriching the reader’s understanding of one of the most fascinating questions of human nature.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews