This scientist believes humans do not have "free will."

Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky, after over four decades of research, challenges the idea that humans have free will.

He contends that human actions are as beyond our control as biological processes like cell division or heartbeats. He argues that all human behavior, from mundane choices to significant life decisions, is predestined by an array of factors outside our conscious control. Based on extensive cross-disciplinary research, he asserts that societal constructs of morality, punishment, and reward are flawed because they are based on the assumption that free will exists. He proposes that behaviors typically attributed to personal choice, like criminal acts or career paths, are in fact the result of complex interactions of genetics, environment, and neurochemistry. Sapolsky's stance is not without its critics. Many neuroscientists, philosophers, and the general populace uphold the belief in some degree of free will, essential to our self-conception and societal norms. Critics argue that denying free will could lead to psychological distress, increased unethical behaviors, and a lack of motivation. Others, like neuroscientist Peter U. Tse and philosopher Saul Smilansky, caution against the harmful implications of embracing determinism too fully, suggesting it could undermine the foundations of a just society. Sapolsky, who is aware of these criticisms, believes understanding the deterministic nature of human actions can lead to greater empathy, especially towards those struggling with mental health issues or the aftermath of trauma.

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