Neuroscience & Free-Will TEDx

Summary

The video explores the concept of free will through the lens of physics, quantum mechanics, and neuroscience. It contrasts the deterministic views of the 19th century with the more recent understanding that human behavior may not be strictly governed by physical laws. By using thought experiments like Schrödinger's cat, the speaker emphasizes that while our brain can act like a quantum machine, free will remains an essential part of human experience. The video calls for embracing responsibility and the power of free will to shape individual lives and society, encouraging a shift towards a future driven by moral choice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of free will is a fundamental part of human existence and sets us apart from inanimate objects like falling apples.
• 😀 In the 19th century, the deterministic view of the world dominated, suggesting that human behavior was completely governed by the laws of physics.
• 😀 The deterministic view led to the belief that morality is merely an invented concept, and humans do not truly have the ability to choose between good and evil.
• 😀 History has shown that punishment and deterrence alone are not enough to inspire ethical behavior in society.
• 😀 The 20th century scientific revolution, particularly in quantum mechanics, challenged the deterministic view, allowing for the possibility of free will.
• 😀 Quantum mechanics reveals that nature allows multiple possible outcomes, and human observation collapses these possibilities into one definite reality.
• 😀 Free will is linked to our awareness and ability to choose among different possibilities, setting humans apart from non-conscious entities like Schrödinger's cat.
• 😀 Neuroscience advancements have shown that brain behavior may be influenced by quantum processes, suggesting that free will could exist on a quantum level.
• 😀 The brain functions like a quantum machine, where multiple possibilities can exist in parallel before being chosen consciously.
• 😀 Experiments demonstrate that when the brain is monitored, the behavior of individuals changes slightly, supporting the idea that free will is not entirely deterministic.
• 😀 Free will is not only an individual matter but also affects society, where embracing free will can help eliminate crime and evil, fostering a better world.

Q & A

What was Isaac Newton's perspective on free will, and how did he view the falling apple?

Isaac Newton believed that the falling apple's motion was determined entirely by the laws of physics, with no free will involved. He saw the apple's fall as a result of predictable forces, not random or self-determined action.

How did the 19th century view free will, and what implications did it have on concepts of morality?

In the 19th century, many scientists believed in a deterministic universe, where all events, including human behavior, were caused by prior conditions. This perspective implied that free will was an illusion, and it led to the idea that morality was an invented concept, since individuals had no true ability to choose between right and wrong.

What scientific discovery in the 20th century changed the view on determinism and free will?

Quantum mechanics, a field of study developed in the 20th century, revealed that it is impossible to predict the exact behavior of particles or human actions with certainty. This uncertainty offered new hope for the concept of free will, suggesting that our behavior might not be entirely determined by physical laws.

How does quantum mechanics challenge the concept of determinism in human behavior?

Quantum mechanics introduced the idea that particles can exist in multiple possible states at once (superposition), and once observed, they collapse into one definite state. This suggests that, like quantum particles, human behavior may not be strictly determined and could involve an element of unpredictability or freedom of choice.

What is Schrödinger's cat experiment, and how does it relate to quantum mechanics and free will?

Schrödinger's cat thought experiment involves placing a cat in a box with a mechanism that may or may not release poison, depending on a quantum event. Until the box is opened, the cat is in a superposition of being both alive and dead. This highlights the idea in quantum mechanics that outcomes are not determined until observed, which challenges deterministic views of behavior.

What role does self-awareness play in the context of quantum mechanics and human behavior?

Self-awareness distinguishes humans as 'observers' in quantum mechanics, meaning we have the ability to observe and choose between possibilities. This ability to be conscious of ourselves and make choices is what separates us from simple machines or falling apples, which lack self-awareness.

Why is it important for neuroscience to consider quantum mechanics when studying human behavior?

Neuroscience needs to consider quantum mechanics because the brain may function as a quantum machine, allowing multiple possibilities to exist in parallel until they are brought into conscious awareness. Monitoring the brain too closely could collapse these possibilities, making it important to understand how free will interacts with brain monitoring.

What experiment did the speaker conduct to explore free will, and what were the findings?

The speaker conducted an experiment with scientists from the Kaa University, testing how a person's response time to stimuli varied when their brain was being monitored versus when it was not. The results showed slight differences in behavior, suggesting that the brain behaves like a quantum machine and that free will may be impacted by whether the brain is observed.

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between free will and moral responsibility?

The speaker argues that free will is essential for morality and justice. Without the ability to choose freely, concepts like responsibility and justice become meaningless. Free will allows individuals to act as causes in their own lives rather than being mere effects of external factors.

How does the Talmud's view on prayer and fate connect with quantum mechanics?

The Talmud presents two examples: one where a prayer is in vain because the outcome is already determined (like the gender of a child after 40 days of pregnancy), and another where a prayer has power because the outcome is not yet known. This relates to quantum mechanics, where possibilities exist until information is known or observed, paralleling the idea that knowledge can restrict potential outcomes.