Destined yet unpredictable: A new science of free will reconciling determinism, irreducibility, agency, and AI through physics and computation.
Destined yet unpredictable: A new science of free will reconciling determinism, irreducibility, agency, and AI through physics and computation.
Free will & determinism, Intelligence (ai) & semantics, Physics (general)
Every individual, from the most profound thinker to the casual observer, is composed of atoms - approximately 6.71×10^27 of them. These aren’t just any atoms ... they’re the same ones that construct galaxies, stars, and the vast expanse of the universe. Predominantly, we’re made of water molecules and a diverse mix of organic molecules. Intriguingly, every single one of these atoms operates under the deterministic laws of quantum electrodynamics. These laws, known since the 1950s, form the bedrock of chemistry, biology, and by extension, life as we know it. If the laws of physics fully determine the motion of every atom in our body, how could we possibly have free will - or do we have it after all?
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I am delighted to see this work come to fruition. Samir Varma breaks down barriers in this fascinating book on determinism. Even if physics leaves no room for free will in theory, you effectively have `Free Will in Practice'—you are part of the causal chain steering your actions in complex, unpredictable ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe many readers will gain profound insights from it. ~ Tyler Cowen, New York Times bestselling author of 19 books and Professor of Economics at George Mason University
An intellectual tour-de-force, this book delves into the timeless debate surrounding free will's existence. Bridging theory and practice, it weaves an exhaustive interdisciplinary study through science, mathematics, computer science, and philosophy. With compelling evidence and insightful caveats, it challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between determinism and human agency. ~ Silas Beane, Professor of Physics at the University of Washington, renowned for his work in theoretical nuclear physics and computational science
A thought-provoking and stimulating read on fate, destiny, and free will, with fascinating examples that will keep you engaged and yearning to learn more! Physicist, entrepreneur and hedge-fund manager, Samir Varma, draws upon physics, computation, and plain logic to present some surprising and persuasive connections! ~ Jay Kesan, Ph.D., J.D., distinguished professor, highly cited legal scholar, accomplished author, and a respected voice in tech innovation with extensive expertise in intellectual property law and technology
The Science of Free Will is a wonderfully entertaining case for determinism. I learned a lot about wave functions, computability and Artificial Intelligence. Was I convinced that I lack free will? Well, no. But that can hardly be blamed on the author! Convinced or not, I learned a lot, enjoyed the book, and I predict you will too! ~ Alex Tabarrok, Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University, and noted researcher in political economy
Dr. Varma brilliantly connects physics and philosophy as they always should have been. The breadth of knowledge covered in this book can only be done by a true intellectual. ~ Dan Amiram, Dean at Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, and noted business advisor
A cognitive joyride! Physicist and philosopher Samir Varma takes readers on a whirlwind adventure prowling through quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence to reveal why free will persists even in a deterministic universe. ~ Stephen J. Salzer, award-winning ENT Surgeon and 'Top Doctor' per Castle Connolly
A thrilling intellectual adventure exploring one of life's greatest mysteries—do we really have free will? This book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through cutting-edge physics, avant-garde computer science, and mind-bending philosophy to resolve this age-old paradox once and for all. ~ Salman Khan, Founder and CEO, Stabilis Capital Management, LP
What does determinism have to do with driving in traffic? Can bees get PTSD? Does the Universe offer choices? Physicist and entrepreneur Samir Varma deftly explores these and other surprising connections between free will, computation, and the fundamental laws of physics. Whether out of choice or as destiny's destination -- this book is a must read. ~ Priya Sahgal, author, talk show host, and Editorial Director, NewsX
What does physics reveal about fate and destiny? Does chaos theory spell the end of free choice? This electrifying book explores new frontiers where quantum mechanics and AI crash headlong into philosophy's oldest question. ~ Rasheed Kidwai, noted author, journalist, and Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation
Think you have free will? Think again. In this provocative page-turner, physicist and entrepreneur Samir Varma probes deep into the laws of physics, the nature of computation, and cutting-edge neuroscience to reveal how our fates may not be our own—yet why we still have freedom in ways that matter for a meaningful life. ~ Suresh Mandava, author, award winning surgeon and ophthalmologist.
Guilt. Accountability. Hard work. Success. Romance. Corporate strategy. War. Ethics. Individual purpose. These and many other critical facets of human existence are essentially meaningless without free will. But if all actions in the universe are dictated by unquestionably deterministic physical laws beginning at the subatomic level, how can nondeterminism, choice, and unpredictability arise? In this seminal tour-de-force, Samir Varma takes us on a rich, thought-provoking journey spanning quantum physics, biology, mathematics, theology, law, computing, economics, and philosophy to help us gain deep insights into our universe—and ourselves. ~ Joe Weinman, bestselling author of “Cloudonomics” and “Digital Disciplines” (an Amazon #1 Hot New Release), inventor, and IT executive
Samir sharpens our understanding of free will to prepare us as we step into a machine intelligent world. ~ Jitendra Kavathekar, Technologist, Executive, Investor
Varma’s surprisingly readable book delivers deep truths that resolve the most important problem in philosophy. ~ Tyler Cowen, New York Times bestselling author of 19 books and Professor of Economics at George Mason University
