From: mk_thisisit
The question of whether humanity possesses free will from the perspective of quantum physics is a profound philosophical issue. While some might believe that quantum mechanics offers a new way to understand or even introduce free will into physical theories, the speaker believes it does not significantly contribute to this debate [00:07:25].
Deterministic vs. Non-Deterministic Worlds
Physics describes two main types of worlds:
- Chaotic, non-deterministic world This realm is subject to Einstein’s laws [00:01:36].
- Newtonian, classical, deterministic world This world operates under classical, deterministic laws [00:01:41].
The classical, deterministic behavior we observe emerges from the underlying quantum behavior [00:01:55]. For instance, in classical physics, Newton’s First Law states that an object left alone will remain at rest or continue in motion unless acted upon by an external force [00:03:41]. However, in quantum theory, a single particle, if its exact location is known, simultaneously jumps to every other place in the universe [00:04:16]. It is present in all points of the universe at once [00:04:33]. This fundamental difference begs the question of how Newton’s First Law emerges [00:05:22].
Atoms illustrate this emergence: an electron in a hydrogen atom, when released near a proton, effectively fills the space around it, existing in all these places simultaneously [00:05:51]. However, when two hydrogen atoms form a bond, the electrons exhibit emergent deterministic behavior, being localized near the protons [00:06:36]. This shows that the deterministic world is an emergent consequence of interactions between many quantum particles [00:06:50].
The Question of Human Will
Despite the quantum world’s non-deterministic nature, the speaker posits that quantum mechanics does not specifically provide a means to introduce free will into scientific theory [00:07:35]. Indeed, the speaker’s personal view, if pressed, is that humans probably do not possess free will [00:07:47].
However, for all practical purposes, it seems that we do [00:07:51]. There is no way to predict our actions in advance, and humans deeply believe in their own agency [00:07:58]. Therefore, the speaker suggests that we might as well live as if we had free will, as there is no other practical choice [00:08:04].
The question of free will and determinism is considered a lofty philosophical issue with no practical significance [00:08:18]. The belief that we lack free will is not seen as a reason for significant concern [00:08:25].