A Determined Life - Freely Lived, 12 weeks, GAYLEY
W 2026

Robert Sapolsky’s Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will is a thought-provoking exploration of human behavior and the science behind our decisions. This book challenges traditional notions of free will, arguing that genetics, environment, and neuroscience dictate our actions more than we realize. Sapolsky combines biology, psychology, and philosophy, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. For a science-oriented reading group, Determined offers rich discussions on morality, responsibility, and the biological roots of behavior. With its interdisciplinary approach and compelling storytelling, it’s an ideal choice for those eager to examine the scientific forces shaping human nature. 

The book argues that human behavior is entirely shaped by biological and environmental factors, challenging traditional notions of autonomy. The implications of determinism on ethics, justice, and personal accountability are explored, questioning how society should approach blame and praise.

But is he right? Contrary views are welcome throughout and will be the focus of the final session.

1. "Turtles All the Way Down" & "The Final Three Minutes of a Movie"  (Chapters 1 & 2)
2. "Where Does Intent Come From? " (Ch. 3)
3. "Willing Willpower: the Myth of Grit" (Ch. 4)
4. "A Primer on Chaos" & "Is Your Free Will Chaotic" (Ch. 5 & 6)
5. "A Primer on Emergent Complexity" (Ch. 7)
6. "Does Your Free Will Just Emerge" & "A Primer on Quantum Indeterminacy" (Ch 8 & 9)
7. "Is Your Free Will Random" & "Interlude" (Ch. 10 & 10.5)
8. "Will We Run Amuck?" (Ch. 11)
9. "The Ancient Gears Within Us: How Does Change Happen? (Ch. 12)
10. "We Really Have Done this Before"  (Ch. 13)
11. "The Joy of Punishment" (Ch. 14)
12. "If You Die Poor" (Ch. 15) & Critiques of Determined

Determined: a Science of Life Without Free Will. Robert Sapolsky. New York: Penguin Press, 2023. ISBN: 9780525560975 and available in paperback ISBN: 9780525560999 and Kindle ISBN: 9780525560982.

Many YouTube videos featuring a determined Sapolsky are available. Here's one:

Do We Have Freewill? / Daniel Dennett vs. Robert Sapolsky  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYzFH8xqhns  [2024, 67 mins]