I don't believe in free will. This is why.

Sabine Hossenfelder
3 Jun 202319:58
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script explores the concept of free will in light of determinism and quantum indeterminacy. It argues that while our universe operates on deterministic laws with random quantum jumps, the idea of free will becomes irrelevant. The speaker, a physicist, critiques the notion of free will and its role in discussions about climate change, emphasizing that societal organization, not individual will, is key to addressing global issues. The script also touches on the philosophical perspectives of compatibilism and libertarianism, concluding with a hard incompatibilist stance that free will does not exist due to the nature of physical laws.

Takeaways
  • 🧠 The concept of free will is often debated, with the speaker asserting that we do not have free will due to the deterministic nature of physics and random quantum events.
  • 🌌 The universe operates on a mixture of determinism and indeterminism, which is reflected in the standard model of particle physics and quantum mechanics.
  • 📉 The standard model describes the behavior of particles, which in turn makes up humans, suggesting that human behavior can also be described by these physical laws.
  • 🤔 The idea of free will being the ability to make different choices is challenged by quantum mechanics, as even single particles exhibit randomness in their behavior.
  • 💡 The speaker identifies as a 'hard incompatibilist,' believing that free will is incompatible with both determinism and indeterminism, and thus does not exist.
  • 🧩 The concept of 'emergent properties' is introduced, explaining how complex behavior can arise from simple interactions of particles, without the need for a separate non-physical entity like free will.
  • 💭 The speaker argues that the belief in free will can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of decision-making and the influence of external factors on our choices.
  • 🌍 The script discusses the relevance of free will to societal issues like climate change, suggesting that the belief in free will can misplace blame and hinder effective action.
  • 📖 The speaker's book 'Existential Physics' delves into the topic of free will and moral responsibility, offering a deeper exploration of these philosophical issues.
  • 🔗 The video script promotes the use of Brilliant.org for learning about differential equations and quantum mechanics, which are fundamental to understanding the physics behind the discussion of free will.
  • 🎥 The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding our own brain and societal workings to make informed decisions, rather than relying on the concept of free will.
Q & A

  • What is the speaker's stance on free will?

    -The speaker believes that free will does not exist, aligning with the perspective of hard incompatibilism. They argue that the concept of free will is incompatible with both determinism and indeterminism, which are fundamental aspects of the laws of nature as we understand them.

  • How does the speaker describe the universe's operation according to current physics understanding?

    -The speaker describes the universe as operating on a mix of determinism and indeterminism. The deterministic aspect is fixed by the past, while random quantum jumps occur due to quantum mechanics, which cannot be influenced by anything because they are inherently random.

  • What is the significance of the standard model of particle physics in the context of the video?

    -The standard model of particle physics is significant because it represents our current understanding of the fundamental particles that make up everything in the universe, except possibly for dark matter. The behavior of these particles is described by mathematical equations within the standard model, which are ultimately deterministic but include random quantum jumps.

  • How does the concept of 'emergent properties' relate to the discussion on free will?

    -Emergent properties arise from the interactions of smaller constituent parts, leading to new behaviors that do not exist at the individual particle level. This concept is used to illustrate that complex systems, like the human brain, can exhibit behaviors that are difficult to predict from the underlying particle interactions alone, which is relevant to the philosophical debate on free will.

  • What is the 'Free Will Theorem' mentioned in the video, and what does it propose?

    -The 'Free Will Theorem,' proposed by John Conway and Simon Kochen, states that if humans have free will, then elementary particles also have free will. Conversely, if particles do not have free will, neither do humans. The theorem is a mathematical argument that challenges the traditional understanding of free will in the context of quantum mechanics.

  • How does the speaker address the argument that quantum mechanics supports the existence of free will?

    -The speaker argues that the randomness introduced by quantum mechanics does not support the existence of free will. They find it nonsensical to attribute free will to individual particles, such as photons, which exhibit probabilistic behavior due to quantum mechanics.

  • What is compatibilism in the context of free will?

    -Compatibilism is the philosophical position that free will is compatible with the laws of nature, which include both determinism and indeterminism. Compatibilists argue that human decisions, while difficult to predict, are not entirely independent from external factors and are influenced by internal deliberation and brain processes.

  • What does the speaker suggest is the problem with the common understanding of free will?

    -The speaker suggests that the common understanding of free will as an independent force that makes decisions is a misconception. The problem lies in integrating the knowledge that what we call 'free will' is actually part of the deterministic brain functions and occasional random elements, which are governed by the laws of nature.

  • How does the speaker connect the concept of free will to societal issues like climate change?

    -The speaker criticizes the belief in free will as an over-simplification that leads to the assumption that willpower alone can solve complex problems like climate change. They argue that this belief misplaces the blame on individuals and overlooks the structural issues in our societies that contribute to such challenges.

  • What is the speaker's advice for those struggling with existential angst due to the non-existence of free will?

    -The speaker advises individuals experiencing existential angst to seek help from a psychologist. They emphasize that the non-existence of free will does not negate the fact that decisions are made and actions are taken; it simply changes the perspective on how those decisions are understood.

  • What is the role of differential equations in the laws of physics as discussed in the video?

    -Differential equations form the basis of the laws of physics because they describe how things change over time. The deterministic aspect of physics is rooted in these equations, which include the random elements introduced by quantum mechanics.

Outlines
00:00
🌌 Determinism and the Illusion of Free Will

The paragraph discusses the deterministic nature of the universe as governed by physics, particularly the standard model of particle physics. It argues that human behavior, like all physical phenomena, is ultimately describable by these physical laws, despite the complexity of applying them to a system as large as a human being. The speaker expresses disinterest in the traditional debate over free will, asserting that humans do not possess it. The discussion segues into the relevance of this debate to current issues like climate change, where the speaker feels their stance on free will has been misconstrued as a barrier to action.

05:05
🔬 Emergent Properties and the Macroscopic World

This paragraph delves into the concept of emergent properties, which are characteristics that arise from the collective behavior of smaller components but do not exist at the individual level. Examples include the conductivity of metals, which is not a property of individual atoms but emerges from their collective interactions. The speaker explains that while these properties are real and significant, they do not alter the underlying physical laws that govern the behavior of the constituent particles. The concept of 'decoupling of scales' is introduced, highlighting how higher-level phenomena can often be understood without delving into the details of smaller scales.

10:08
💭 The Nature of Free Will and Decision-Making

The speaker continues the discussion on free will, challenging the traditional notion that it implies the ability to choose differently. With the influence of quantum mechanics, the concept becomes less useful as even subatomic particles exhibit a form of 'free will' through indeterminacy. The conversation shifts to contemporary philosophical views on free will, focusing on the idea that human decisions are largely insulated from external factors and are driven by internal deliberation. The speaker identifies with 'compatibilism,' which posits that free will can exist within a framework of natural laws that include both determinism and indeterminism.

15:11
🤔 The Implications of Free Will Belief

In the final paragraph, the speaker reflects on the implications of belief in free will, arguing that it can lead to misconceptions about personal agency and control. She criticizes the notion that willpower alone can solve complex issues like climate change, emphasizing that societal structures and cognitive limitations play a more significant role. The speaker advocates for a clear understanding of the brain's workings and societal dynamics, suggesting that the belief in free will can obscure these realities. She concludes by promoting her book 'Existential Physics' for a deeper exploration of the topic and offers resources for further learning in physics and related fields.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡free will
The concept of free will is often described as the possibility of choosing between different actions. In the video, the speaker argues that this concept becomes less useful in the context of quantum mechanics, as it would imply that even single particles have free will. The speaker identifies as a 'hard incompatibilist,' concluding that free will doesn't exist because it's incompatible with both determinism and indeterminism, which govern our universe.
💡quantum jumps
Quantum jumps refer to the random changes in the state of a quantum system when a measurement is made. In the video, the speaker mentions quantum jumps as an element of indeterminism in the universe, which occurs on top of deterministic behavior described by the standard model of particle physics. The speaker expresses skepticism about the significance of quantum jumps in the context of free will.
💡determinism
Determinism is the philosophical position that all events, including human actions, are determined by previously existing causes. In the video, the speaker explains that the laws of physics, particularly those described by the standard model and including quantum mechanics, are deterministic, meaning that given the state of a system at one point in time, its future state can be predicted with certainty.
💡indeterminism
Indeterminism is the idea that not all events are determined by prior causes, and that some events occur without a clear reason or cause. In the context of the video, the speaker acknowledges the presence of indeterminism in quantum mechanics, where quantum jumps happen randomly and cannot be predicted or controlled, contributing to the debate about the existence of free will.
💡standard model
The standard model is a theory in particle physics that describes the fundamental particles and forces that make up the universe, except for gravity. In the video, the speaker uses the standard model to illustrate how the behavior of particles, and by extension humans, is governed by deterministic equations, with the addition of random quantum jumps.
💡compatibilism
Compatibilism is a philosophical position that argues free will is compatible with determinism. In the video, the speaker mentions compatibilists who believe that human decisions, while difficult to predict, are still a form of free will because they arise from internal deliberation rather than external factors.
💡libertarianism
Libertarianism, in the context of free will, is a philosophical stance that asserts humans have free will, often linked with the belief in the significance of quantum mechanics' indeterminacy. In the video, the speaker critiques libertarian views, especially those that propose miracles or nonphysical aspects to explain free will.
💡emergent properties
Emergent properties are characteristics that arise from complex systems and are not inherent in the individual components of the system. In the video, the speaker explains that emergent properties like conductivity in metals do not exist at the level of individual particles but emerge from their collective interactions. This concept is used to illustrate how complex behaviors, such as human decision-making, can arise from simpler underlying laws.
💡decoupling of scales
The decoupling of scales refers to the concept in physics that the details at small scales can often be ignored when studying phenomena at larger scales. In the video, the speaker uses this concept to explain why understanding particle physics is not necessary for understanding human behavior or societal issues.
💡hard incompatibilism
Hard incompatibilism is the position that free will does not exist because it is incompatible with both determinism and indeterminism. In the video, the speaker identifies as a hard incompatibilist, arguing that since the universe is governed by a mix of determinism and indeterminism, the concept of free will as commonly understood does not align with our current understanding of the laws of nature.
💡existential angst
Existential angst refers to a deep sense of unease or dread about one's existence, often stemming from the search for meaning and purpose in life. In the video, the speaker mentions existential angst as a common reaction to the idea that free will might not exist, suggesting that people struggle with the implications of this belief on their understanding of themselves and the world.
Highlights

The future is determined by the past, except for random quantum jumps which no one can control.

The question of free will is deemed stunningly uninteresting by the speaker, who asserts that we don't have free will.

The standard model of particle physics describes everything in the universe, except possibly dark matter.

Particles that are stable make up humans, and their behavior is described by the mathematics of the standard model.

The equations of the standard model are deterministic, meaning the future is fixed by the past.

Quantum mechanics introduces an element of randomness to the deterministic behavior of particles.

Wave-functions in quantum mechanics imply that certain quantities, like position and momentum, cannot be known precisely at the same time.

Gravity adds more determinism to the universe, but it is a non-quantum or 'classical' theory.

The universe is one big wave-function that changes deterministically with occasional random jumps.

Emergent properties arise from the properties and interactions of the constituents and do not exist on the level of the constituents.

The concept of 'decoupling of scales' in physics allows us to disregard details of small scales when interested in large scales.

Contemporary philosophers have redefined free will as decisions being largely independent from external factors and driven by internal deliberation.

The 'Free Will Theorem' suggests that if humans have free will, then elementary particles also have free will.

The speaker identifies as a 'hard incompatibilist', believing that free will is incompatible with both determinism and indeterminism.

The idea that decisions follow from what we want is a comforting thought, as opposed to being influenced by an undefined 'free will'.

The belief in free will can lead to utopian plans and a misunderstanding of the limits of human cognitive ability.

The speaker argues that the problem with climate change is not a lack of 'will', but the organization of our societies.

The laws of physics are based on differential equations, which are deterministic with a random element.

Transcripts

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FreeWillDeterminismQuantumPhysicsDecisionMakingCompatibilismLibertarianismCognitiveScienceEmergentPropertiesPhilosophyOfScienceClimateChange