Super Short Summary

In his nonfiction book Free Will (2012), neuroscientist Sam Harris explores the concept of free will, concluding that true free will does not exist but also arguing that this does not mean that concepts of morality and freedom of choice do not matter. Harris asserts that free will is an illusion created by our brain's predictable, mechanical processes, influenced by unconscious factors beyond our control. Harris illustrates his argument using scientific experiments and real-world examples, including the actions of individuals who commit seemingly inexplicable crimes, to argue that our decisions and desires arise from neural processes we do not control rather than conscious intent. In this view, personal responsibility and moral judgment must be reassessed, although this does not negate the need for a system of societal control and compassion.