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Are We Really Biochemical Robots?: A Critique of Determinism and Sam Harris' Crusade Against Free Will
The free will debate is an odd affair. Free will advocates have little evidence to offer, and what they have is subjective in nature. Determinists insist all our thoughts and actions are dictated by physical causes – in which case those same mechanical events caused them to believe in determinism.In short, one side has no proof. And the other side concedes they don’t control anything they believe about the matter. This is a curious standoff. Is it any wonder the question hasn’t been resolved?Why take aim at determinism? Because it’s a gospel of disempowerment. Our lives are placed in the hands of cosmic forces. We are helpless victims to a causal chain of physical events that began at the birth of the universe. We are utterly powerless.We have no control over our thoughts or actions. We can’t influence others and can’t affect worldly affairs. We have no control over who we are. Our lives are scripts that were already written before we were born. In short, we are biochemical robots. We blindly obey whatever our causal programming dictates.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2022
6 people want to read
About the author
David Lawrence
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Graphic novel author is David Lawrence
Graphic novel author is David Lawrence
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 28, 2022
Interesting topic!
This book was recommended by a friend to me since we came across the topic of Free Will. It is interesting because the bible says that separates us from angels but really if life is pre-destined, do we have it? I like this book because it is a good conversation starter. I know people who would definitely read and quote it as a reference. The author is very well researched or experienced in this topic, given it is the 10th year anniversary of the book, it is still relevant. It is informational and he makes great arguments for me most especially “We hold people responsible when they’re in control of their actions. If determinists are right that would never be the case, as our thoughts and actions are fully predetermined.” My Catholic grandmother would be rolling her eyes but I feel like she would just walk away. Again, this is a great book, I would recommend friends to read it.
This book was recommended by a friend to me since we came across the topic of Free Will. It is interesting because the bible says that separates us from angels but really if life is pre-destined, do we have it? I like this book because it is a good conversation starter. I know people who would definitely read and quote it as a reference. The author is very well researched or experienced in this topic, given it is the 10th year anniversary of the book, it is still relevant. It is informational and he makes great arguments for me most especially “We hold people responsible when they’re in control of their actions. If determinists are right that would never be the case, as our thoughts and actions are fully predetermined.” My Catholic grandmother would be rolling her eyes but I feel like she would just walk away. Again, this is a great book, I would recommend friends to read it.
April 30, 2022
This is an intense read, probably something that would appeal to readers who like contemporary philosophical questions and the concept of existentialism. The author touches upon determinism and presents discussions in a way that really makes the reader wonder whether they have free will or not. The writing style tries to appease with a scientific approach that brings politics, law, and even everyday morality into question. The author uncovers serious discussions in an enjoyable way where even those who do not gravitate towards philosophy, might be intrigued. If you're in the mood to question the state of the world, human beings, and our power to exercise free will, then pick up this book. You might find yourself immersed in it after a few pages. Of course, this book and the discussions surrounding it are open to criticism and the author makes it clear that this is just one way of looking at it.
April 29, 2022
food for thought read
Thinking about the concept of whether or not we live our lives of free will or if our lives are already pre-determined by external forces creates deep thought and something I hadn't really considered until reading this book. The author's writing is both convincing and well-researched, giving food for thought on a subject that I likely would have needed to read more content to form an opinion. This is a great read for those who are interested in learning more about the human thoughts and processes, specifically those that leave you thinking long after you've finished the read. It's a thorough and in-depth read that requires some serious thought process but is written where the basic readers can comprehend the information.
Thinking about the concept of whether or not we live our lives of free will or if our lives are already pre-determined by external forces creates deep thought and something I hadn't really considered until reading this book. The author's writing is both convincing and well-researched, giving food for thought on a subject that I likely would have needed to read more content to form an opinion. This is a great read for those who are interested in learning more about the human thoughts and processes, specifically those that leave you thinking long after you've finished the read. It's a thorough and in-depth read that requires some serious thought process but is written where the basic readers can comprehend the information.
April 30, 2022
An interesting read
The topic that is discussed in this book is quite controversial but at the same time it made me think about it.“Are we Biological Robots?” is a compelling piece of work written by David Lawrence.
Every chapter deals with interesting ideas that are backed up with articles as well as theories. All of them strive to find an explanation for the idea of free will in human-beings.
Even though it deals with complex ideas I could understand some of them since they´re well-explained along the chapters. The bit that I liked the most is that I learned new concepts regarding science, biology, among others. The way the ideas are developed is simple and concise. The presence of examples makes the topic more understandable. I thoroughly recommend it.
The topic that is discussed in this book is quite controversial but at the same time it made me think about it.“Are we Biological Robots?” is a compelling piece of work written by David Lawrence.
Every chapter deals with interesting ideas that are backed up with articles as well as theories. All of them strive to find an explanation for the idea of free will in human-beings.
Even though it deals with complex ideas I could understand some of them since they´re well-explained along the chapters. The bit that I liked the most is that I learned new concepts regarding science, biology, among others. The way the ideas are developed is simple and concise. The presence of examples makes the topic more understandable. I thoroughly recommend it.
May 2, 2022
Free will. Individuals who choose good versus evil. Many may have questions regarding this idea or they bring questions regarding the concept. In the book, Are we Biochemical Robots: Sam Harris’s crusade against free will written by David Lawrence discusses his thoughts regarding the notion of free will. Throughout the text, he brings questions regarding free will to the surface? He leads everyone into the idea of to what extent we have free will. As one who leads a life of faith, free will is a choice given to us as a gift by our God. Because many have thoughts about free will, this text will open a mind to different perspectives on the matter. I hope this book will teach a person something new on the matter of free will.
May 4, 2022
Are We Biochemical Robots? by author David Lawrence is a comprehensive digest of the ever lingering question floating across several decades? Is our life a sumptuous extract of free will or is it all predetermined? It is a blend of science, neurology, quantum physics, morale, and justice, all exposing the philosophical secrets to a range of mysteries.
This book is a logical take on intellect and psyche. Leaving no stone unturned to unravel the most intriguing factors about determinism. With authentic citations, the author has done a great job exuding specific parameters. With louder facts and no fictional stories, this book is a must-read for a rush of thrill and much-needed zest. Go grab yours!
This book is a logical take on intellect and psyche. Leaving no stone unturned to unravel the most intriguing factors about determinism. With authentic citations, the author has done a great job exuding specific parameters. With louder facts and no fictional stories, this book is a must-read for a rush of thrill and much-needed zest. Go grab yours!
April 29, 2022
David Lawrence is the awesome mind behind the title “Are we Biochemical Robots?” in which he explains in an easier way the job of Sam Harris using lots of examples to facilitate understanding.
This non-fiction masterpiece is written for a general audience and I strongly believe that everyone can appreciate it; however, it’s really interesting for people that enjoyed learning more about Free Will.
Let me say that the writing style of this author is engaging and simple to read in contrast with some others of this type. It’s also concise and it goes exactly to the point which made it more captivating.
I highly recommend this invaluable and thought provoking book.
This non-fiction masterpiece is written for a general audience and I strongly believe that everyone can appreciate it; however, it’s really interesting for people that enjoyed learning more about Free Will.
Let me say that the writing style of this author is engaging and simple to read in contrast with some others of this type. It’s also concise and it goes exactly to the point which made it more captivating.
I highly recommend this invaluable and thought provoking book.
May 3, 2022
A perfect book about free will
The reader “Are We Biochemical Robots?: Sam Harris' Crusade Against Free Will” written by David Lawrence is a book that was written in order to reflect upon Sam Harris’ Free Will debate, which took place ten years ago. Before reading this book, I revised some concepts about the subject.
The author’s reflections are well built. I felt Lawrence is really into the subject so he could construct interesting thoughts about it.
This is a book for people who are interested in consequences that spring after political and social decisions. It deals with topics that affect all humankind, so it does not matter where the reader is from.
The reader “Are We Biochemical Robots?: Sam Harris' Crusade Against Free Will” written by David Lawrence is a book that was written in order to reflect upon Sam Harris’ Free Will debate, which took place ten years ago. Before reading this book, I revised some concepts about the subject.
The author’s reflections are well built. I felt Lawrence is really into the subject so he could construct interesting thoughts about it.
This is a book for people who are interested in consequences that spring after political and social decisions. It deals with topics that affect all humankind, so it does not matter where the reader is from.
May 5, 2022
The cover is so attractive that I wanted to read this book because I also felt interested by its title. Free will is a very insightful topic as well as all the ones included in this thought provoking and also enlightening reading.
I must confess that I have learnt a lot of things with this book and the reading also left me thinking for days after finishing it. The topics dealt with in this book are certainly good to talk with family and friends because some are good for debate.
I would recommend reading Are We Biochemical Robots? written by David Lawrence because I believe everyone will get something good from it.
May 1, 2022
Biochemical Robots
It's been 10 years since Sam Harris posed his questions on the topic of free will. The author of this book, David Lawrence questions whether there has been any real change since then. Using scientific data and knowledge to support his views and claims, the author delves into the topic of free will and whether we truly have it after all.
While the book and topic were interesting, I would have loved to see some opposing views and how the author explains (or disproves) them. This was not the case so be aware that the opinions and conclusions are one sided.
It's been 10 years since Sam Harris posed his questions on the topic of free will. The author of this book, David Lawrence questions whether there has been any real change since then. Using scientific data and knowledge to support his views and claims, the author delves into the topic of free will and whether we truly have it after all.
While the book and topic were interesting, I would have loved to see some opposing views and how the author explains (or disproves) them. This was not the case so be aware that the opinions and conclusions are one sided.
November 18, 2023
I think this is a good intro text/primer, but it's a not as fun/kinda boring if you're more familiar with the arguments that Lawrence is making.
That being said, I stopped halfway through because I was getting bored, and might pick it back up later and be wowed by something.
That being said, I stopped halfway through because I was getting bored, and might pick it back up later and be wowed by something.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews