Free will is not an illusion | Denis Noble
Summary
The video delves into the complexity of living organisms beyond genetic determinism and the importance of considering empirical and conceptual aspects in scientific inquiries. It explores the molecular composition of human bodies, emphasizing the significance of DNA, RNA, proteins, and the unique properties of water in living systems. The discussion extends to legal and ethical issues surrounding responsibility in cases involving driverless cars and the emergence of choice and intelligence in living systems through membrane processes and cellular functions. Stochastic activities and chance events in living cells are analyzed, challenging the notion of free choice solely based on molecular stochasticity.
Introduction
The speaker discusses the lack of a program of life or blueprint in a gene room after over 20 years of research on complete genome sequences.
Investigating Free Will
The speaker discusses the empirical investigation of processes by which living organisms make choices and argues against the purely chemical determination of organisms.
Empirical and Philosophical Aspects
The speaker emphasizes the need to consider both empirical and conceptual aspects in scientific inquiries, highlighting the inadequacy of physiology or philosophy alone in answering complex questions.
Chemical Composition of Organisms
Discussion on the chemical elements that make up human bodies, focusing on hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, and the unique chemistry of water in living systems.
Legal Responsibility and Choice
Exploration of legal and ethical issues related to attributing responsibility in cases involving driverless cars and the ultimate attribution of responsibility to humans over machines.
Molecular Composition of Bodies
Detailed analysis of the molecular composition of human bodies, including the significance of DNA, RNA, and proteins as polymers and the role of genes and proteins in determining behavior.
Water's Role in Biological Systems
Explanation of the unique properties of water in living systems, such as serving as a solvent, the formation of membranes, and its role in enabling complex biological processes.
Intelligence in Living Systems
Discussion on the emergence of choice and intelligence in living systems through membrane processes and the ability to distinguish between behavioral options.
The Role of Membranes in Choices
Exploration of the role of membranes, proteins, and cellular processes in enabling choice and decision-making in living organisms.
Stochasticity and Free Will
Analysis of the stochastic activities and chance events in living cells, including the impact on genetic mutations and the argument against free choice based on molecular stochasticity.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of DNA, RNA, and proteins in human bodies?
A: DNA, RNA, and proteins play a crucial role as polymers in determining behavior and carrying out essential functions in human bodies.
Q: What are some of the chemical elements mentioned that make up human bodies?
A: Hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen are highlighted as essential chemical elements in human bodies.
Q: What is the process of nuclear fusion?
A: Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy.
Q: How does water uniquely function in living systems?
A: Water serves as a solvent, aids in the formation of membranes, and enables complex biological processes within living systems.
Q: What is emphasized in the discussion regarding responsibility in cases involving driverless cars?
A: The ultimate attribution of responsibility is highlighted to be towards humans over machines.
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