Neuroscientist：Free Will Is An Illusion　　　｜　　　Neil Degrasse Tyson & Brian Greene

Unraveling the Mystery of Free Will

In a captivating conversation between cognitive neuroscientist Heather Berlin, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and theoretical physicist Brian Greene, the enigmatic concept of free will takes center stage. As they delve into the intersection of neuroscience and physics, they grapple with profound questions about consciousness, time, and the limits of human agency.

Brian Greene posits that free will is often perceived as the sensation of making choices. However, he provocatively suggests that these choices may be illusory, mere puppets dancing to the tune of the laws of physics. In this view, our actions are predetermined by the intricate web of cause and effect woven by the universe itself.

Neil deGrasse Tyson builds upon this notion, asserting that even at the level of molecular interactions within our brains, there is no force capable of defying the laws of physics. He argues that consciousness emerges from a collection of molecules in our brain but remains bound by the constraints imposed by fundamental physical principles.

Quantum Quandaries: The Role of Consciousness

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Brian Greene briefly touches upon the probabilistic nature of quantum physics. He explains how particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured, at which point they collapse into a single state. This raises an intriguing possibility: could consciousness play a role in selecting one outcome from the myriad possibilities presented by quantum mechanics?

Yet, amidst this tantalizing prospect, uncertainty looms large. The speakers acknowledge that while consciousness might influence quantum events, it remains unclear whether it possesses the power to transcend physical laws and shape our choices in everyday life.

Time: A Mirage Shaped by Perception

Shifting gears, Heather Berlin introduces another captivating topic—the nature of time itself. Drawing from her expertise in cognitive neuroscience, she proposes that time is a construct of the human brain, an illusion that colors our perception of reality. Clock time, she argues, may differ significantly from our subjective experience of time.

To illustrate this point, Berlin shares a personal anecdote about meticulously counting seconds. Despite her meticulousness, she discovers that her subjective sense of time diverges from the objective passage of seconds. This discrepancy underscores the fallibility of human perception when it comes to accurately gauging the passage of time.

Manipulating Time: A Brave New Frontier

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as the participants explore the