Free will typically pertains to the philosophical question/proposition of whether an individual could make a different decision under the same circumstances (not whether it thinks it can), and if it could what precisely determines that decision (for example why would an independent substance/soul make decision A and not B).
It's probably a good idea to just avoid the term "free will". The term apparently debuted with Tertullian. For him, it was a providential entity that served to justify an argument about Christian sin. The term continues to be used in like manner. I suggest that terms with metaphysical baggage be avoided when speaking of agency.
Nature does not ultimately select for organism survival behaviours, it selects for genome survival behaviours, and a genome is distributed throughout its population. Individualism is an evolutionary artefact of not being able to coordinate group survival behaviours (lack of intelligence, language, etc).
Behavior, all the way down. So happy to hear him describe consciousness in terms of reflection.
The topic of consciousness/sentience in animals is intriguing and touching, thank you for sharing the interview! 💝
Brilliant Discussion !!
Free will typically pertains to the philosophical question/proposition of whether an individual could make a different decision under the same circumstances (not whether it thinks it can), and if it could what precisely determines that decision (for example why would an independent substance/soul make decision A and not B).
Good pod. Sync problem with Dr. T's sound and video.
Much better Intro
It's probably a good idea to just avoid the term "free will". The term apparently debuted with Tertullian. For him, it was a providential entity that served to justify an argument about Christian sin. The term continues to be used in like manner. I suggest that terms with metaphysical baggage be avoided when speaking of agency.
Nature does not ultimately select for organism survival behaviours, it selects for genome survival behaviours, and a genome is distributed throughout its population. Individualism is an evolutionary artefact of not being able to coordinate group survival behaviours (lack of intelligence, language, etc).