THE DETERMINISTS
The Determinists examines the case against free will advanced by determinism’s most popular proponents – Sam Harris (Free Will), Robert Sapolsky (Determined), and Sabine Hossenfelder (Existential Physics). The book questions whether the authors have made a compelling case against free will and whether free will advocates have adequately responded to the determinist challenge. Exploring issues that have been largely unaddressed in popular discourse, the book asks whether the present limits of science and human knowledge permit definitive conclusions regarding the cosmos and human nature, determinist or otherwise.
THE DETERMINISTS
The Determinists examines the case against free will advanced by determinism’s most popular proponents – Sam Harris (Free Will), Robert Sapolsky (Determined), and Sabine Hossenfelder (Existential Physics). The book questions whether the authors have made a compelling case against free will and whether free will advocates have adequately responded to the determinist challenge. Exploring issues that have been largely unaddressed in popular discourse, the book asks whether the present limits of science and human knowledge permit definitive conclusions regarding the cosmos and human nature, determinist or otherwise.
A Critical Examination of Popular Determinist Advocacy
The free will debate has moved beyond academic philosophy into popular culture, where bestselling books, podcasts, and public discussions increasingly argue that human choice is an illusion. The Determinists examines the scientific, philosophical, and moral claims behind this movement through a critical study of the arguments advanced by Sam Harris, Robert Sapolsky, and Sabine Hossenfelder.
“Much needed corrective to the assured claims of determinists….very effectively undercuts their argument. Consistently does a cogent job…refreshingly free of partisan argument.”
— Kirkus Review
“Will thoroughly enjoy…Expertly weaves in the arguments…Fascinating infusion of scientific theories…”
— Pacific Book Review
“Thought-provoking work…A humanistic exploration of how we understand consciousness, morality responsibility, ourselves, and one another. Valuable for anyone who picks it up.”
— Independent Book Review
The Free Will Debate Today
The free will debate has endured for more than two millennia. The past decade has brought a marked increase in popular interest through books, podcasts, YouTube videos, and public lectures. Determinism has gained the upper hand in popular discourse. Free will is on the defensive.
The Determinists examines the scientific, philosophical, and moral claims behind this movement, offering a critical examination of the arguments advanced by Sam Harris, Robert Sapolsky, and Sabine Hossenfelder.
What You’ll Discover
Popular Determinist Advocacy
The Determinists examines the scientific and philosophical foundations of popular determinist advocacy, engaging the arguments advanced by three of its leading voices: Sam Harris in Free Will, Robert Sapolsky in Determined, and Sabine Hossenfelder in Existential Physics. It offers a careful critique of the assumptions underlying their conclusions while exploring what modern science and philosophy can—and cannot—tell us about human freedom.
The Central Questions
Do the laws of physics endorse determinist doctrine? Has neuroscience established that neural activity causally determines our decisions? Do biology, environment, personal history, and group behavior constrain free will, or do they collectively eliminate choice? Can morality and personal responsibility be justified if we do not control our thoughts or actions? The Determinists explores these and related questions, appraising the relative merits of the respective positions.
Explore the determinist narrative and central claims of popular determinist advocates against human choice.
Examine the unique arguments made by Sam Harris against free will based on what experience discloses.
Evaluate the contributions of neuroscience, biology, and behavioral sciences in the debate over human agency.
Investigate the scientific arguments against free will based on the laws of Newtonian, relativity, and quantum science.
Consider whether moral and personal responsibility can survive a world in which we don’t control our thoughts or actions.
Explore whether consciousness is reducible to neural brain activity or whether free will emerges to influence brain events.
Reviews & Endorsements
“A thoughtful and well-researched examination of one of the most important philosophical debates of our time. The arguments are presented with clarity and intellectual rigor.”
Professor of Philosophy
“An engaging critique that brings together philosophy, neuroscience, and physics in a way that is both accessible and intellectually challenging.”
Academic Reviewer
“Whether you agree with its conclusions or not, The Determinists invites readers to think more deeply about the assumptions behind modern determinism and the free will debate.”
Early Reader
“Lawrence presents a careful and balanced analysis that encourages readers to question widely accepted assumptions about determinism and human agency.”
Independent Scholar
“A compelling contribution to the ongoing conversation about free will. Clear, thought-provoking, and grounded in a broad range of scientific and philosophical perspectives.”
Advance Reader
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Lawrence David Rose grew up in Los Angeles and studied philosophy at UCLA before earning his J.D. from USC Gould School of Law. The Determinists reflects his long-standing interest in free will, science, the nature of consciousness, and moral responsibility. He is also an avid advocate for animal rights.