Is there a quantum reason we could have free will? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice explore the concept of free will and predetermination with neuroscientist, biologist, and author of Determined: The Science of Life Without Free Will, Robert Sapolsky.

A special thanks from our editors to Robert Sapolsky’s dog.

Could we put an end to the question of whether or not we have free will? Discover “The Hungry Judge Effect” and how little bits of biology affect our actions. We break down a physicist's perspective of free will, The Big Bang, and chaos theory. Is it enough to just feel like we have free will? Why is it an issue to think you have free will if you don’t?

We discuss the difference between free will in big decisions versus everyday decisions. How do you turn out to be the type of person who chooses vanilla ice cream over strawberry? We explore how quantum physics and virtual particles factor into predetermination. Could quantum randomness change the actions of an atom? How can society best account for a lack of free will? Are people still responsible for their actions?

What would Chuck do if he could do anything he wanted? We also discuss the benefits of a society that acknowledges powers outside of our control and scientific advancements made. How is meritocracy impacted by free will? Plus, can you change if people believe in free will if they have no free will in believing so?

Thanks to our Patrons Pro Handyman, Brad K. Daniels, Starman, Stephen Somers, Nina Kane, Paul Applegate, and David Goldberg for supporting us this week.

A special thanks from our editors to Robert Sapolsky’s dog.

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic cohosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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00:00 Introduction: Free Will
3:45 The Impacts of Biology & The Hungry Judge Effect
9:26 The Physicist Perspective on Free Will & Chaos Theory
12:15 Is It Good To Think We Have Free Will?
14:35 Free Will in Big Decisions vs. Small Decisions
19:43 Quantum Physics & Randomness
25:25 Does Lack of Free Will Explain Everything?
29:22 How Does Society Need to Change?
34:10 What If You Could Do Anything You Want?
35:00 How Do Change a Culture If There’s No Free Will?
42:16 Giving Up Meritocracy
45:17 Factoring in Accountability
49:12 Do We Have Free Will To Determine Whether We Believe in Free Will?