From: lexfridman
The notion of free will has long been a subject of philosophical debate, with many questioning its existence and nature. During a recent discussion, Yosha Bach explores the complexities of free will and consciousness, suggesting that our consciousness is not a creator of choices but rather a model of decision-making processes [00:00:00].
Understanding Free Will
Free will can be perceived as the ability to make choices free from certain kinds of constraints. However, Bach suggests that people are often not aware of the underlying mechanisms driving their decisions. He posits that humans are more akin to a “control model” which directs attention and influences perception and decision-making, rather than being true initiators of actions [00:06:06].
Free will appears paradoxical because it seems indeterministic; yet, if it were truly indeterministic, it would effectively be random, which conflicts with the deterministic aspect of decisions that give them meaning. Bach argues that the decisions influenced by free will seem unpredictable because we lack complete knowledge about them, making them appear as if they are autonomously free [00:22:00].
The Role of Consciousness
Bach describes consciousness as a “control model for our attention” [00:03:13]. He likens it to a monkey riding an elephant, where the monkey (consciousness) can suggest directions, but the elephant (underlying processes and motivations) often steers its own path. In this metaphor, the conscious mind is not the elephant itself but rather an entity observing and attempting to influence the course of decision-making.
Determinism and the Mechanical Nature of Decisions
The concept of free will is often interpreted as a continuum between free-willed decisions and automatic behaviors [00:21:56]. According to Bach, human experiences and decisions are simulated and exist within a framework driven by deterministic laws, similar to industrial processes or programming languages.
The decision-making process involves informed bets, where uncertainty reigns due to incomplete understanding of outcomes and mental processes. Much of our perception of free will overlaps with the complexity of processing uncertainties in our personal and social contexts [01:05:26].
Free Will as a Construct
Modern Perspective
Free will, according to Bach, functions as a model, projecting our interpretations of behaviors including freedom, motivation, and predictability, rather than a true self-originating force [00:39:36].
The idea that each of us has free will may also be seen as society’s mechanism to navigate unpredictability. This conception allows human behaviors to appear emergent and spontaneous, resonating with personal and cultural beliefs, even if they ultimately comply with the precepts of determinism.
Implications in Philosophical and Practical Contexts
Free will continues to have substantial implications in discussions about moral responsibility, legal systems, and personal agency. These discussions reveal cultural and intellectual narratives, including how contemporary understanding of AI and consciousness aligns with deterministic paradigms propounding the illusion of free will [00:57:01].
The illusion of free will, as understood through Bach’s lens, challenges the traditional concepts of autonomous decision-making and self-determination. It redefines identity and agency within cybernetic models and underscores an aesthetic alignment between one’s model of the world and their engagement within it [00:39:57].
Whether considered a pragmatic construct or an inherent feature of our consciousness, the illusion of free will reflects a fundamental aspect of human existence, inviting ongoing inquiry and reinterpretation amidst evolving scientific and philosophical landscapes.