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Free Will

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'Free Will' by Sam Harris challenges the notion of free will, arguing that it is an illusion. Through a concise and thought-provoking exploration of neuroscience and philosophy, Harris delves into the idea that our choices are determined by factors beyond our conscious control. Readers are confronted with the implications of living in a world where free will may not exist, sparking contemplation on the nature of morality, justice, and personal responsibility. Harris presents his argument in a clear and accessible manner, raising questions about the impact of deterministic beliefs on our understanding of human behavior and societal norms.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by a straightforward and engaging style, making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents a clear argument against the existence of free will, aiming to challenge widely-held beliefs and stimulate thought on the implications of this stance.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in contemporary discussions about philosophy and neuroscience, exploring the implications of the concept of free will.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, allowing readers to absorb the key arguments rapidly, given the book's short length.
The question of free will touches nearly everything we care about. Morality, law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, feelings of guilt and personal accomplishment—most of what ...

Notes:

The book is only 80 pages long, making it a concise introduction to the topic of free will.
Sam Harris argues that free will is an illusion, challenging a core belief in human culture.
The book draws on recent neuroscience research, including brain imaging experiments, to support its claims.
Harris’s argument suggests that our choices are influenced by prior causes or random chance, which we cannot control.
Critics note that the book lacks depth and fails to address counterarguments in detail.
The concept of 'responsibility' is redefined in the book, raising questions about its meaning in a non-free will context.
Harris emphasizes the need for a practical approach to crime and punishment in light of his view on free will, advocating for deterrence rather than retribution.
Readers report that the book prompts self-reflection on their perception of choice and responsibility.
Some find the book thought-provoking and easy to read, while others feel it lacks substantial evidence and exploration of its claims.
Harris posits that beliefs about free will may hinder compassionate responses toward those who commit crimes, as it promotes a deterministic view of behavior.

From The Publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The End of Faith, a thought-provoking, "brilliant and witty" (Oliver Sacks) look at the notion of free will-and the implications that it is an illusion.

A belief in free will touches nearly everything that human beings value. It is difficult to think about law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, morality-as well as feelings of remorse or personal achievement-without first imagining that every person is the true source of his or her thoughts and actions. And yet the facts tell us that free will is an illusion.

In this enlightening book, Sam Harris argues that this truth about the human mind does not undermine morality or diminish the importance of social and political freedom, but it can and should change the way we think about some of the most important questions in life.

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"You are not controlling the storm, and you are not lost in it. You are the storm." - Sam Harris

"It’s true that human persons don’t have contra-causal free will. We are not self-caused little gods. But we are just as real as the genetic and environmental processes which created us and the situations in which we make choices. The deliberative machinery supporting effective action is just as real and causally effective as any other process in nature. So we don’t have to talk as if we are real agents in order to concoct a motivationally useful illusion of agency, which is what Harris seems to recommend we do near the end of his remarks on free will. Agenthood survives determinism, no problem." - Tom Clark (excerpt)

 

About the Author:

Sam Harris is the author of the bestselling books The End of Faith, Letter to a Christian Nation, The Moral Landscape, Free Will, and Lying. The End of Faith won the 2005 PEN Award for Nonfiction. His writing has been published in over fifteen languages. Dr. Harris is cofounder and CEO of Project Reason, a nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society. He received a degree in philosophy from Stanford University and a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. Please visit his website at SamHarris.org.

 
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