Robert M. Sapolsky is a professor of biology and neurology at Stanford University and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation 'Genius Grant'. His previous books includes the international bestseller Behave- The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, The Trouble with Testosterone, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers and A Primate's Memoir.
A bravura performance, well worth reading for the pleasure of
Sapolsky’s deeply informed company … he makes a moving case that
[our lack of freedom is] a reason to live with profound forgiveness
and understanding … absorbing and compassionate
*Observer*
Excellent . . . Outstanding for its breadth of research, the
liveliness of the writing, and the depth of humanity it conveys
*Wall Street Journal*
[A] highly entertaining account of why … we should and must
overcome the infuriating conspiracy of mind that insists we are the
authors of our actions. Anyone who believes otherwise needs to read
it
*Times Literary Supplement*
Wonderfully readable ... humorous and warm and humane
*Today (BBC Radio 4)*
[A] witty, erudite, imaginative and deeply humane new book… [The]
case that Sapolsky makes for a transition from a criminal-justice
system based on blame and retribution…to one founded on blame-free
rehabilitation is moving and compelling
*Literary Review*
Robert Sapolsky explains why the latest developments in
neuroscience and psychology explode our conventional idea of Free
Will. The book's chock-full of complex and often counter-intuitive
ideas. It's also a joy to read. That's because Sapolsky is not only
one of the world's most brilliant scientists, but also an immensely
gifted writer who tells this important story with wit and
compassion. It's impossible to recommend this book too highly.
Reading it could change your life
*Laurence Rees*
In his usual frank and amusing style, Robert Sapolsky argues that
free will is an illusion. His stance is both hard to accept and
hard to deny. An utterly fascinating topic with mind-boggling
implications for human morality
*Frans de Waal, author of Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a
Primatologist*
Witty and engaging, Determined is also a goldmine of fascinating
information (most of it accessible even to those of us who aren’t
scientifically literate) about neuroscience; philosophy; chaos
theory; emergent complexity; quantum indeterminacy; evolving
knowledge of the causes of epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism;
and, of course, the impact of nature and nurture on
decision-making
*Psychology Today*
Sapolsky’s decades of experience studying the effects of the
interplay of genes and the environment on behavior shine brightly .
. . He provides compelling examples that bad luck compounds . . .
convincingly argues against claims that chaos theory, emergent
phenomena, or the indeterminism offered by quantum mechanics
provide the gap required for free will to exist
*Science*
Fascinating, provocative and profound. This book tackles all sorts
of big issues: how the human brain works, what makes us different,
and what underlies everything we do. If Sapolsky is right, we might
need to rethink justice and law, and for each of us personally,
what it really takes to be happy and successful
*Daniel M. Davis, author of The Secret Body*
Provocative … If Sapolsky’s ideas were widely accepted they would
lead to profound societal changes, not least within the criminal
justice system
*Sunday Times*
Fascinating and challenging - though I'm not sure if I really had a
say in the matter
*New Scientist*
Ask a Question About this Product More... |