Brains Quote by Jerry A. Coyne
““Which do you think is more valuable to humanity? a. Finding ways to tell humans that they have free will despite the incontrovertible fact that their actions are completely dictated by the laws of physics as instantiated in our bodies, brains and environments? That is, engaging in the honored philosophical practice of showing that our notion of "free will" can be compatible with determinism? or b. Telling people, based on our scientific knowledge of physics, neurology, and behavior, that our actions are predetermined rather than dictated by some ghost in our brains, and then sussing out the consequences of that conclusion and applying them to society? Of course my answer is b).””
About This Quote
Source Article: Scientific American, 2015
Debates on free will versus determinism impact societal values and policy.
In simple terms: Determinism challenges moral responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences of a deterministic view.
Themes
ethics
science
philosophy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
ethical
intellectual
When to use this quote
- education reform
- legal systems
- public discourse
Key Concepts
determinism
free will
social policy
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies change under determinism?
- How to preserve agency in a deterministic framework?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring human experience of choice can alienate people.
