FTI: Do We Have Free Will?  Why I Think the Answer Depends…

About this event

Do we genuinely choose our actions, or are our decisions ultimately determined by biology, environment, prior experiences, and the laws of physics? In this Free Thinker Institute event, Garrett Lang will explain why he believes the answer depends largely on what we mean by “free will.” He will present his argument drawing from Gödel’s incompleteness theorem, quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and our everyday experience of making decisions. We’ll explore questions including: • Does the inability to predict an outcome prove that more than one future is possible? • Does quantum uncertainty create room for free will—or merely randomness? • If our brains begin preparing decisions before we consciously recognize them, who is actually making the decision? • Can a choice still be free if it was influenced by our genetics, upbringing, personality, and previous experiences? • Is free will something we either possess or lack—or a capacity that exists in degrees? • Can reflection, critical thinking, and self-improvement make us more free? Garrett will also explain why Gödel’s theorem may challenge overly simple accounts of a completely deterministic universe, while acknowledging the limitations and counterarguments surrounding that interpretation. After the presentation, we’ll open the conversation to the group. Participants are encouraged to question the argument, offer competing definitions of free will, and explain what evidence could change their minds. In keeping with FTI’s commitment to inclusive humanism, critical thinking, open-mindedness, and self-correction, the purpose is not to impose a conclusion. It is to understand the strongest arguments on each side and determine what kind of freedom—if any—is both possible and meaningful. Format: Lecture and discussion We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off. Here’s our legal notice: Recording and Media Release Notice For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction. I hereby release and discharge Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising out of or related to such recordings and uses. Except as expressly authorized in writing by Free Thinker Institute, attendees may not record, copy, reproduce, distribute, rebroadcast, livestream, transmit, publish, display, excerpt, edit, create derivative works from, or commercially exploit any portion of the event or its recordings. Unauthorized recording, publication, posting, sharing, or redistribution of any portion of the event, including on YouTube, social media platforms, websites, podcasts, or other media channels, is strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement and a violation of these event terms. Free Thinker Institute reserves all rights and remedies available under applicable law, including the right to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, attorneys' fees where permitted, and any other available legal or equitable remedies. By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.