Questioning Wisdom: Free Will vs Evolutionary Determinism

Innovation, adaptation and resilience: the fundamental forces through which evolution shaped humanity into ‘Homo Sapiens’, Latin for ‘wise man’. However, the concept of ‘wisdom’, the ability to make sound judgements and decisions based on knowledge and experience, deserves questioning. Are humans truly wise and capable of making decisions, or are our actions dictated by evolutionary determinism? Over time, mankind has evolved to dominate various aspects of life, even amongst apex predators. Our ability to communicate complex ideas through language enabled the development of intricate social structures and later, unique technologies. These accomplishments, coupled with perceived intelligence, contribute to a sense of superiority. However, when we examine the nature of our decision-making processes, ‘wisdom’ becomes questionable. Neuroscientists and philosophers alike, such as Dr. Sam Harris, argue that ‘free will’ is illusory, that we are bound by evolutionary mechanisms rather than genuine autonomy. Human behaviour is thought to be largely influenced by genetic predispositions and external factors. For example, tendencies towards risk-taking could be genetic, while cultural influences or childhood experiences are environmental factors. This discussion about free will gave rise to determinism, the idea that our actions are not as free as we perceive; they are predetermined by factors beyond our control. Stanford neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, in his book ‘Determined: Life Without Free Will’, argues humans are nothing more than ‘biological and environmental luck, over which we have no control’: that we cannot regulate the genetic predispositions and environmental influences that shape us. For instance, altruism, often seen as a conscious choice, may actually be rooted in evolutionary mechanisms like reciprocal aid: the idea that we are more inclined to help people with the expectation of mutual benefit. If behaviour is predetermined by evolutionary forces, wisdom may be an illusion we have created to make sense of our paths - a narrative to mask the influences that truly guide our actions. Determinism challenges individual identity and moral responsibility. Imagine a world where every action results from countless preceding events. The idea of holding people accountable for their actions becomes problematic: those actions may not be theirs but rather products of the interplay between their genetic code and environment. Our crime and justice systems would be jeopardised, and the way in which we should approach punishment of crime would need drastic changes. However, understanding the deterministic nature of human behaviour can lead to greater empathy and compassion. Recognising that our actions are influenced by factors beyond our control can foster a more tolerant and supportive society. In the context of evolution, determinism can be seen as a mere extension of natural selection. Just as organisms are challenged by their environment to maximise their survival chances, human behaviours are influenced by many external factors. Compatibilists argue that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive. Free will can be seen as the desire to act according to our desires and preferences, regardless of whether our actions are predetermined by factors beyond our control. From a compatibilist perspective, our actions can still be considered free if they align with our internal desires and intentions. For instance, choosing to help someone because you genuinely want to, despite predetermined influences, can be seen as an exercise of free will. Evolution is more than a narrative of survival and adaptation; it is a testament to the remarkable resilience of life itself. By unravelling its mysteries and arming ourselves with its wisdom, we gain insights into the boundless possibilities of the human mind: empowering us to better understand ourselves and our position in the web of life. We may be forever bound by its mechanisms, but this duality - binding us yet freeing us - challenges us to reconsider what it means to be ‘wise’. Perhaps true wisdom lies in acknowledging our constraints while striving to transcend them. By understanding the mechanisms that bind humanity, we can harness our capacity for creativity and reflection, shaping a future where wisdom is not defined by control but by the ability to navigate the complexities of reality with insight and humility.