Ep 37. Can Free Will be Saved in a Deterministic Universe?

Can Free Will be Saved in a Deterministic Universe? - PBS Space Time season 2020 episode 37 explores the complex topic of free will in a deterministic universe. In this episode, the host begins by explaining the concept of determinism, which suggests that every event, including human decisions and actions, is ultimately determined by preceding causes and conditions. This raises the question of whether humans truly have free will or if their actions are predetermined.

The episode delves into the philosophical and scientific debates surrounding free will and determinism, examining different viewpoints and theories. The host discusses the idea of causal chains, in which events are caused by other events, and how this influences our perception of free will. They also explore the concept of quantum indeterminacy, which proposes that there is inherent randomness in the universe at the subatomic level, and how this might allow for the existence of free will.

Throughout the episode, the host engages with various experts in the field, including philosophers, physicists, and neuroscientists, to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. They discuss how advances in technology and neuroscience are reshaping our understanding of consciousness and decision-making, and how this might relate to the debate over free will.

Overall, this episode of PBS Space Time season 2020 offers a thought-provoking examination of one of the most complex and enduring philosophical questions: whether humans have free will in a world that seems determined by prior causes and conditions. Through a combination of scientific research and philosophical analysis, the episode provides a nuanced and informative exploration of this deeply contested topic.