In this episode of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, I tackle one of the age-old questions debated by scientists, philosophers, theologians, and neuroscientists: does the concept of free will really exist, or is our life predetermined?
My aim for this episode is to spark curiosity in you and encourage debate and conversation on this topic.ย
Many examples seem to support the idea that our decisions and actions might depend on external influences beyond our awareness. Other counter-opinions insist on our complete independence from such powers, leaving us with total responsibility for free will over our actions.
John R. Miles
Listen to the episode onย Apple Podcasts,ย Spotify,ย Podcast Addict,ย Pocket Casts,ย Stitcher,ย Castbox,ย Google Podcasts,ย Listen Notes,ย Amazon Music,ย or on your favorite podcast platform.ย You canย watch the interview on YouTubeย below.
Enjoy!
Does Free Will Exist, or Is Life Predestined?
Let’s examine quotes from two great historical scholars just to illustrate their differing views on the existence of free will.
– Stephen Hawking said, “I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”
– Albert Einstein said, “Human beings, in their thinking, feeling and acting, are not free agents but are as causally bound as the stars in their motion.”
As these quotes demonstrate, the ongoing debate about the existence of free will undoubtedly continue for years to come. These differences in belief lead to many questions, such as: Which opinion is accurate for the existence of free will? Does our consciousness influence our choices? What are the implications of believing or not believing in free will? This episode addresses these and other affiliated questions related to the fundamental question does free will exist.
- The debate over the existence of a free will
- The curious case of Kenneth Parks
- Consciousness’s role in the existence of a free will
- The impact of determinism and predeterminism
- How biological and environmental influences affect freeย will
- How free will influences our daily choices
- Why the free will debate will undoubtedly continue
- Have any questions, comments, or stories youโd like to share with us?ย Drop us a line atย [email protected]m!
- Connect with Johnย R Miles on Twitter atย @John_RMilesย and Instagram atย @John_R_Miles.
Questions For You And Your Friends Or Family Members To Discuss Free Will
- Do you believe in the existence of free will?
- How do the findings of Dr. Libet impact your belief in free will?
- How does our consciousness impact free will?
- What is the impact of determinism and predeterminism?
- What are the consequences of not believing in free will?
- How does the story of Kenneth Parks impact your belief in free will?
- How can you apply the episode to your life?
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Thank You To Our Sponsors:ย More Info Atย PassionStruck.Com/Deals.
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This episode of Passion Struck with John R. Miles is brought to you by Dry Farm Wines, which Have No Chemical Additives for Aroma, Color, Flavor, or Texture Enhancement. Dry Farm Wines โ The Only Natural Wine Club That Goes Above and Beyond Industry Standards. For Passion Struck listeners: Dry Farm Wines offers an extra bottle in your first box for a penny (because itโs alcohol, it canโt be free). See all the details and collect your wine at https://www.dryfarmwines.com/passionstruck/.
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Starter Packs
New to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of ourย most popular episodesย grouped by topic, and we now have them alsoย on Spotify. To find your old favorites, you can also browse starter packs for existing listeners. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.
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Resources From The Show
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. Itโs just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
Purchase Victor Frankl’s Book Man’s Search for Meaning: https://amzn.to/3JkSkDN
- My interview withย Scott Barry Kaufmanย andย Jordyn Feingold:ย https://passionstruck.com/jordyn-feingold-scott-barry-kaufman-chose-growth/
- My solo episode about how your environment influences who you become:ย https://passionstruck.com/how-your-environment-influences-who-you-become/
- My solo episode on why your brain dictates your reality:ย https://passionstruck.com/why-your-brain-dictates-your-reality/
- My interview withย Ayelet Fishbach, a professor at the Booth School of Business University of Chicago, on how to get it done, the science of motivation:ย https://passionstruck.com/ayelet-fishbach-get-it-done-find-the-fun-path/
- ย My interview withย Astronaut Wendy Lawrenceย on why you must permit yourself to dream the dream:ย https://passionstruck.com/how-to-dream-the-dream-you-want/
- My interview withย Katy Milkman,ย Ph.D. on how to create lasting behavior change:ย https://passionstruck.com/katy-milkman-behavior-change-for-good/
- My interview withย Astronaut Chris Cassidyย on the importance of being present in the moment:ย https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/astronaut-chris-cassidy-on-the-importance-in-life/id1553279283?i=1000521263914
- My solo episode on why micro choices matter:ย https://passionstruck.com/why-your-micro-choices-determine-your-life/
About John R. Miles
John R. Milesย is the CEO, and Founder of PASSION STRUCKยฎ, the first of its kind company, focused on impacting real change by teaching people how to live Intentionally. He is on a mission to help people live a no-regrets life that exalts their victories and lets them know they matter in the world. For over two decades, he built his own career applying his research of passion-struck leadership, first becoming a Fortune 50 CIO and then a multi-industry CEO. John is also a prolific public speaker, venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and author.
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