Determined

More about the book

One of our great behavioral scientists and bestselling authors delves into the science and philosophy of decision-making to present a compelling case against free will, with significant implications. In his classic work, he explored the intricate relationship between nature and nurture in shaping human behavior. Now, he extends this argument, challenging the comforting notion that a separate self directs our biological processes. The book synthesizes our understanding of consciousness, highlighting the interplay of reason and emotion, as well as stimulus and response throughout life. The author systematically dismantles the major arguments for free will, navigating through chaos theory, complexity science, and even quantum physics, while engaging with philosophical debates. He illustrates how the history of medicine reflects a growing awareness that many conditions previously deemed personal failings are not simply someone's "fault." Despite acknowledging the difficulty of letting go of our instinct to judge ourselves and others, he applies this new perspective to critical issues of punishment, morality, and social coexistence. Ultimately, he argues that accepting the absence of free will, while challenging, can lead to a more compassionate and humane society rather than chaos or despair.