Subscribe now

Letter: On the vexed question of the existence of free will (4)

Published 11 October 2023

From Richard Taylor, Guildford, Surrey, UK

Your article claims that some people worry about judging criminals unfairly if there is no free will, meaning their crimes were predetermined. But if the crime was predetermined, then so is the judgment. Worry not, determinism isn’t something that just happens to other people!

Issue no. 3460 published 14 October 2023

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop