In the this episode of Brain Science we talk with neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell about his new book Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will. While many neuroscientists and philosophers argue that free will is an illusion, Mitchell argues that the ability to make meaningful choices is part of our evolutionary heritage. He also addresses the important issue of determinism, siding with those physicists who argue that the fundamental nature of our universe is NOT deterministic. These issues are crucial to how we see ourselves and others. Links and References:  Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will by Kevin J. Mitchell  Helgoland: Making Sense of the Quantum Revolution by Carlo Rovelli Innate: How the Wiring of Our Brains Shapes Who We Are by Kevin J. Mitchell  Mitchell discusses this book in BS 159.   Kevin Mitchell, PhD (Trinity College Dublin)  Mitchell's blog   Please visit http://brainsciencepodcast.com for additional references and episode transcripts.   Announcements:  Please note: there will be no episode of Brain Science in November 2023. We will return with the 17th Annual Review episode on December 15. Please FOLLOW the Brain Science podcast channel on YouTube. The mobile app has been updated and is now called Brain Science Podcast. The app is free and MyLibsyn Premium subscribers can use it to access transcripts and other premium content. Dr. Campbell moved to Auckland, New Zealand in August 2023. Please reach out if you live in New Zealand or Australia. Please subscribe or follow Brain Science in your favorite audio app and please share it with others. Get free gift "5 Things You Need to Know about YOUR Brain when you sign up for the free Brain ScienceNewsletter to get show notes automatically every month. You can also text brainscience to 55444 to sign up. Support Brain Science by buying Are You Sure? The Unconscious Origins of Certainty by Virginia "Ginger" Campbell, MD. (Autographed copies are available) Learn more ways to support Brain Science at https://brainsciencepodcast.com/premium   Connect on Social Media:   Mastodon: https://neuromatch.social/@docartemis Twitter: @docartemis Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/brainsciencepodcast  Contact Dr. Campbell:  Email: brainsciencepodcast@gmail.com

BS 213 Kevin Mitchell explores Free Will

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