Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The belief that we are all free agents - responsible for our actions and in a position to be punished for our crimes, seems to be a belief that most people subscribe to. But although such a belief may do wonders for our self-esteem and sense of human dignity, is there any evidence that it is true? In the face of immense problems - pollution, overpopulation, famine and possible global war - we urgently need a scientific understanding of how we are moulded by our environment. By losing our arrogance, argues the author, we can learn to control our destiny.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Boguslaw et al. (1972) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: