A Deterministic World: Subjectivity of Truth, Determinism, and the Meaning of Life

by Chuliang Yu

Is the world deterministic? Do we have free will? What is consciousness? Do animals possess consciousness? Can advanced artificial intelligence become conscious and exhibit free will? Should criminals be punished if their actions are predetermined? What is the meaning of life if it is set on a predetermined path?

To address these questions, this book takes a novel approach by starting with the establishment of philosophical first principles. Based on discoveries in neuroscience and the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, it offers a clear explanation of consciousness and free will, and what it means for the world to be deterministic in terms of predicting future events. It challenges conclusions drawn by some determinists who claim criminals should not be punished for their actions, and it presents a perspective on the meaning of life within a deterministic framework.

Main points in this

Truth is subjective. There is no absolute truth to speak about. Our perception of the world through our senses is all that matters in acquiring knowledge.

The world evolves deterministically. Our thoughts are products of a physical brain, which also evolves deterministically.

Most confusion about consciousness stems from an implicit dualistic belief that consciousness exists as an independent entity. Once this dualistic view is discarded, we can clearly understand consciousness in humans, animals, and even in robots with advanced artificial intelligence.

We can predict some future events, but most long-term events cannot be predicted precisely. Paradoxically, some near-term events involving human affairs are also inherently unpredictable because of our ability to predict the future.

Our perception of the existence of free will largely results from our ability to predict the future.

A thorough application of determinism shows that criminals remain responsible for their crimes and should be punished for their actions.

Life can still be meaningful even though its path is predetermined.

Genres: Philosophy

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Calebmatthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes on some of the biggest philosophical questions out there and approaches them in a calm, methodical way. I appreciated how the author starts from basic principles and builds the argument step by step. Even when the ideas are complex, the writing stays clear. It definitely gave me a lot to think about, especially regarding free will and responsibility.

[Isabella Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out to me most was the logical structure of the arguments. The author doesn’t rely on emotional appeals or abstract language. Instead, he connects philosophy with neuroscience and AI in a way that feels grounded. Whether you agree or not, it’s a serious and thoughtful contribution to the determinism debate.

[Stephanie Ave · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting parts for me was the discussion about moral responsibility in a deterministic world. The author doesn’t take the easy route of saying that if everything is determined, nothing matters. Instead, he carefully explains why accountability still has meaning. That perspective felt practical and grounded.

[Ethan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The integration of neuroscience and artificial intelligence into the philosophical discussion makes this book feel relevant to modern debates. The author doesn’t drift into science fiction; instead, he stays focused on what current understanding suggests. It adds credibility to the overall argument.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting something dense and difficult, but it’s surprisingly readable. The sections on consciousness and how our sense of free will might arise from prediction were particularly interesting. It challenges familiar assumptions without being dismissive or extreme.

[James Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophy books can sometimes feel unnecessarily complicated, but this one keeps things direct. The argument against dualism and the explanation of consciousness as a physical process were presented clearly. It’s a serious book, but not inaccessible.

[William Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books about free will, but this one approaches it from a slightly different angle. The idea that our experience of freedom may come from our ability to predict outcomes was fascinating. It doesn’t feel speculative it feels reasoned and deliberate.

[Sophia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deterministic worldview can sound bleak at first, but the book doesn’t end there. The chapter on meaning was one of the strongest sections for me. It argues that life can still be meaningful even if events unfold according to physical laws. That conclusion felt mature and carefully considered.

[David Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels carefully planned. Each chapter builds logically on the previous one, which helps when dealing with abstract concepts. It’s not a casual read, but it’s rewarding if you enjoy analytical thinking and structured reasoning.

[Grace Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a light overview of philosophy. It’s a focused exploration of determinism, consciousness, and truth from a scientific perspective. I appreciated that the author takes clear positions and defends them logically. It’s the kind of book that encourages slow reading and reflection.

[George Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book asks uncomfortable but important questions. I found myself pausing often to think through the arguments. The discussion about subjective truth and how our perception shapes knowledge was particularly interesting. It’s not written to persuade emotionally, but to reason carefully.

[Jerry Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author approaches free will from a deterministic framework without dismissing human experience. I appreciated how the book acknowledges why we feel like we have free will while still arguing that our thoughts follow physical processes. It’s a thoughtful and well developed position.

[Lopez Mateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this book stand out is the integration of neuroscience and AI into the philosophical discussion. It feels contemporary and relevant. The sections about artificial intelligence and consciousness were especially engaging given current technological developments.

[GEORGE ETHAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The structure of the book made it easier to follow complex ideas. Each chapter builds logically on the previous one. I didn’t feel lost, even when the concepts became abstract. The writing stays focused and deliberate.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t agree with every point, but that’s part of what made it worthwhile. The book challenges assumptions about morality, punishment, and responsibility in a deterministic world. It encourages readers to examine their own beliefs more carefully.

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author avoids dramatic claims and instead works through the arguments step by step. The explanation of consciousness without relying on dualism felt grounded in science rather than speculation. It’s analytical but still readable.

[Sandrajulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Determinism can sometimes feel like it removes purpose from life, but this book argues otherwise. I found the discussion about meaning within a predetermined framework thoughtful and reassuring. It presents a perspective that feels rational rather than emotional.

[Mattew Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a casual read, but it’s also not unnecessarily complicated. The language is clear, and the examples help clarify abstract ideas. Readers who enjoy philosophical reasoning tied to science will likely appreciate it.

[Micheal Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapter discussing criminal responsibility stood out to me. It addresses a common argument about determinism and accountability and provides a reasoned response. Whether one agrees or not, the author treats the issue carefully and respectfully.

[Rose Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in questions about consciousness, free will, and the nature of truth, this book offers a structured and thoughtful perspective. It’s reflective and serious without being inaccessible. I finished it with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of these debates.

[Joseph Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t rush to conclusions. The author lays out his assumptions clearly and builds from there, which makes the overall argument easier to follow. I especially appreciated the way neuroscience is used to explain consciousness without drifting into speculation.

[George Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The topic of determinism can feel abstract, but this book keeps it grounded. The explanations about how the brain produces thought were presented in a straightforward way. it's a serious read, but not unnecessarily complicated

[George David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have try reading other books about free will before and found them difficult to get through. This one was different. The structure helped me stay engaged, and the argument were presented clearly enough to follow without a background in philosophy.

[Alexander Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me reconsider some belief i have held for years. The idea that truth may be subjective and tied to perception was especially thought provoking. It doesn't try to shock the reader; instead, it calmly presents its case.

[Solomon Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free will versus determinism is an ancient debate, but this book approaches it with modern scientific insights. The inclusion of artificial intelligence in the discussion make it feel timely and relevant.

[Mason James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strongest aspect of this book is its organization. Each argument builds on the last, so by the time the author reaches conclusions about meaning and responsibility, the reasoning feels consistent. It rewards patient reading.

[Carter Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sections on consciousness in humans, animals, and AI were particularly engaging. The author rejects dualism and explains his position clearly. It’s an analytical approach that avoids unnecessary mysticism.

[Mark Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The discussion about criminal responsibility in a deterministic world stood out to me. It’s a sensitive topic, and the author handles it carefully. Even readers who disagree may appreciate the thoughtful reasoning.

[Victoria Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a book you rush through. It requires attention, but the payoff is meaningful. I found myself highlighting sections and returning to them later. It’s a book that stays with you.

[wyatt Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that the author doesn’t rely on dramatic language. The tone is steady and analytical throughout. That made the arguments feel more credible and less emotionally driven.