Do We Really Have Free Will?

Do we truly have free will, or are our choices shaped by biology, habits, and unconscious forces? This fascinating panel explores one of humanity's oldest and most important questions. Join philosopher Tamar Gendler, psychologist Jeffrey Schaler, and classicist Michael Fontaine as they debate free will, consciousness, Aristotle, and what ancient wisdom can teach us about making better decisions today. Whether you're interested in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, ethics, or personal development, this conversation offers thought-provoking insights into how we become the people we choose to be. KEY TOPICS COVERED What free will actually means Philosophy vs. psychology on human choice Are our decisions determined by biology? Consciousness and self-awareness Addiction, habits, and responsibility Aristotle, Plutarch, and ancient ideas of character Can neuroscience explain behavior? Moral responsibility and the justice system Building better habits and exercising self-control Ancient philosophy for modern life TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction & panel introductions 06:40 What is free will? 17:45 Ancient philosophy on choice 30:10 Habits, character & Aristotle 42:05 Neuroscience vs. free will 56:20 Addiction, agency & responsibility 01:10:35 Ozempic, habits & behavior change 01:12:32 Do we really choose our actions? 01:15:03 Audience Q&A begins 01:20:55 Consciousness & self-awareness 01:25:58 Plutarch on becoming better 01:27:08 Final reflections & closing If you enjoyed this discussion, subscribe for more conversations exploring ancient wisdom, philosophy, psychology, and the ideas that continue to shape the modern world. Comment below: Do you believe we truly have free will, or are our choices determined by factors beyond our control? 🔗 LINKS 👉 Subscribe: https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/... 👉 Buy Michael Fontaine's book 'How to Have Will Power': https://press.princeton.edu/books/har... 👉 Buy Jeffrey Schaler's book 'Addiction is a Choice': https://www.amazon.com/Addiction-Choi... 👉 Buy Tamar Gendler's book 'Thought Experiment: On the Powers and Limits of Imaginary Cases': https://www.amazon.com/Thought-Experi... 🎙️ GUESTS Michael Fontaine: Classicist and professor whose work connects ancient philosophy with contemporary questions about ethics, choice, and human behavior. Tamar Gendler: Philosopher and cognitive scientist whose work explores belief, reasoning, habits, and the philosophy of mind. Jeffrey Schaler: Psychologist, author, and leading voice on addiction, personal responsibility, and human agency. #FreeWill #Philosophy #Psychology #Consciousness #Neuroscience