In Free Will (2012), neuroscientist Sam Harris challenges the concept of free will, arguing that it is an illusion. He suggests that our decisions and actions are shaped by factors beyond our control, such as genetics, upbringing, and unconscious brain processes. Harris illustrates this through the story of two burglars who committed a brutal crime but could not explain their violent behavior, acknowledging that, given similar conditions, anyone could act the same. Drawing from scientific experiments, Harris contends that brain activity predicts decisions before we are consciously aware of them, implying that we do not have control over our choices. He also explores the implications for society, arguing that while free will may not exist, morality and responsibility still matter in guiding behavior, and systems like criminal justice remain necessary for social functioning.
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