From Iff Books

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The Science of Free Will, Samir Varma, Foreword by Tyler Cowen

We are all made of atoms, the same atoms as the rest of the universe. Our bodies are primarily made up of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Calcium and Phosphorus. But these are the exact same atoms as the rest of the universe! They’re the same atoms that make up planets, and galaxies, and the sun, and everything else. Every one of those atoms is made up of still more fundamental entities, namely electrons, protons and neutrons. And, protons and neutrons are made up of still more fundamental entities called quarks and gluons. So, at bottom our bodies are made up of electrons, quarks and gluons. But here’s the thing: every one of those fundamental particles is obeying precise mathematical laws, which we have discovered over the last 100 years.

So if every single entity that makes up our body is following precise mathematical laws, then in what sense do we have free will?

That is what my book is about. Along the way to answering this question, we talk about all kinds of really cool stuff.

  • Can subatomic particles exhibit free will?
  • What does quantum randomness say about human choices?
  • Does chaos theory undermine free will, or does it reinforce the unpredictability essential for autonomous decision-making?
  • How do our legal and cultural concepts of fate align with scientific understanding?
  • Could advanced AI systems ever achieve genuine agency or consciousness?

And then we can have some fun!

  • Do bees have emotions?
  • Why don’t we trade with ants?
  • Is free will necessary for morality and justice?
  • What do traffic jams reveal about choice and inevitability?
  • How do notions of fate across cultures relate to modern science?
  • Are we living in a simulation, and if so, what does that mean for free will?

I explore these questions, and many others, through through the lenses of physics, computation, neuroscience, and more, offering a multifaceted view of free will.

Endorsements

I am delighted to see this work come to fruition. Samir Varma breaks down barriers in this fascinating book on determinism. Even if physics leaves no room for free will in theory, you effectively have ‘Free Will in Practice’—you are part of the causal chain steering your actions in complex, unpredictable ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe many readers will gain profound insights from it.

Tyler Cowen, New York Times bestselling author of 19 books and Professor of Economics at George Mason University

The Science of Free Will is a wonderfully entertaining case for determinism. I learned a lot about wave functions, computability and Artificial Intelligence. Was I convinced that I lack free will? Well, no. But that can hardly be blamed on the author! Convinced or not, I learned a lot, enjoyed the book, and I predict you will too!

Alex Tabarrok, Chair in Economics at the Mercatus Center, George Mason University, and noted researcher in political economy

A cognitive joyride! Physicist and philosopher Samir Varma takes readers on a whirlwind adventure prowling through quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence to reveal why free will persists even in a deterministic universe.

Stephen J. Salzer, award-winning ENT Surgeon and ‘Top Doctor’ per Castle Connolly

An intellectual tour-de-force, this book delves into the timeless debate surrounding free will’s existence. Bridging theory and practice, it weaves an exhaustive interdisciplinary study through science, mathematics, computer science, and philosophy. With compelling evidence and insightful caveats, it challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between determinism and human agency.

Silas Beane, Professor of Physics at the University of Washington, renowned for his work in theoretical nuclear physics and computational science

 

Dr. Varma brilliantly connects physics and philosophy as they always should have. The breadth of knowledge covered in this book can only be done by a true intellectual.

Dan Amiram, Dean at Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, and noted business advisor

A thrilling intellectual adventure exploring one of life’s greatest mysteries—do we really have free will? This book takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through cutting-edge physics, avant-garde computer science, and mind-bending philosophy to resolve this age-old paradox once and for all.

Salman Khan, Founder and CEO, Stabilis Capital Management, LP

A thought-provoking and stimulating read on fate, destiny, and free will, with fascinating examples that will keep you engaged and yearning to learn more! Physicist, entrepreneur, and hedge-fund manager, Samir Varma, draws upon physics, computation, and plain logic to present some surprising and persuasive connections!

Jay Kesan, Ph.D., J.D., distinguished professor, highly cited legal scholar, accomplished author, and a respected voice in tech innovation with extensive expertise in intellectual property law and technology

What does determinism have to do with driving in traffic? Can bees get PTSD? Does the Universe offer choices? Physicist and entrepreneur Samir Varma deftly explores these and other surprising connections between free will, computation, and the fundamental laws of physics. Whether out of choice or as destiny’s destination – this book is a must read.

Priya Sahgal, author, talk show host, and Editorial Director, NewsX

What does physics reveal about fate and destiny? Does chaos theory spell the end of free choice? This electrifying book explores new frontiers where quantum mechanics and AI crash headlong into philosophy’s oldest question.

Rasheed Kidwai, noted author, journalist, and Visiting Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation

Think you have free will? Think again. In this provocative page-turner, physicist and entrepreneur Samir Varma probes deep into the laws of physics, the nature of computation, and cutting-edge neuroscience to reveal how our fates may not be our own—yet why we still have freedom in ways that matter for a meaningful life.

Suresh Mandava, author, award winning surgeon and ophthalmologist.

Samir sharpens our understanding of free will to prepare us as we step into a machine intelligent world.

Jitendra Kavathekar, Technologist, Executive, Investor

Guilt. Accountability. Hard work. Success. Romance. Corporate strategy. War. Ethics. Individual purpose. These and many other critical facets of human existence are essentially meaningless without free will. But if all actions in the universe are dictated by unquestionably deterministic physical laws beginning at the subatomic level, how can nondeterminism, choice, and unpredictability arise? In this seminal tour de force, Samir Varma takes us on a rich, thought-provoking journey spanning quantum physics, biology, mathematics, theology, law, computing, economics, and philosophy to help us gain deep insights into our universe—and ourselves.

Joe Weinman, bestselling author of Cloudonomics and Digital Disciplines (an Amazon #1 Hot New Release), inventor, and IT executive