
TBD
Is it really possible for us to choose other than we do? And, if not, why should that matter?
This series explores the concept of 'determinism', and whether it holds genuine implications for our everyday lives and societies. We'll touch on the themes of moral responsibility and generosity. We'll hear from many who've been heavily involved in these debates, as well as others who are merely stakeholders on the basis of being alive.
FYI: A few bonus episodes with 'extended interviews' to be deployed in the coming weeks.
~ Joe Sexton
https://www.joe-s-blogs.com/
Episodes
9 episodes
BONUS: James Miles (Free Will and Artificial Intelligence)
James Miles is a British writer with special expertise in evolutionary biology. He's also an ardent free will skeptic, and in 2015 published 'The Free Will Delusion', which informed a conversation featured in episode 3 of this series. ...
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Season 1
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1:01:03

BONUS: Susan Blackmore
Susan Blackmore is a popular British writer and academic. She's well-known for her work in the fields of consciousness and 'memetics' and she also has plenty to say on the issue of free will. Here, we chat about decision-making, 'taking respons...
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Season 1
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43:50

BONUS: The Miracle Determinist
Here's a relatively brief conversation with an anonymous contributor I met while doing street interviews at the beginning of the 'TBD' project. Significantly, out of 100 informal interviewees, this eloquent lunch-goer was the only one to declar...
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Season 1
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14:18

BONUS: Bernard Beckett
Bernard Beckett is a teacher and author based in New Zealand. Among his most acclaimed young adult novels are 'Genesis' and 'Malcom & Juliet'. In 2011, he published 'August', which is a sci-fi novel that deals with themes of determinism and...
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Season 1
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40:49

4. Life Reflections
If we take a view our lives couldn't ever have been otherwise, how will this affect the way we reflect and anticipate? Does it equally degrade our achievements and console us about disappointments? And how do we proceed if intimidated by a univ...
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1:15:11

3. Luck + Generosity
Would belief in determinism make a person more generous or insular? Does such a picture advantage progressives or conservatives? And could it make you go softer on those you disagree with?Perhaps believing in a universe whose course is ...
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1:16:57

2. Moral Responsibility + Judgement
How much can people be blamed for their own wrongdoing? Is it unrealistic to think we might curb the extent to which we judge one another?If the universe is taken to be essentially determined, then surely this impacts the way everybody'...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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1:30:22
