The Science of Free Will: How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees

Every individual, from the most profound thinker to the casual observer, is composed of atoms - approximately 6.71×10^27 of them. These aren't just any atoms ... they're the same ones that construct galaxies, stars, and the vast expanse of the universe. Predominantly, we're made of water molecules and a diverse mix of organic molecules. Intriguingly, every single one of these atoms operates under the deterministic laws of quantum electrodynamics. These laws, known since the 1950s, form the bedrock of chemistry, biology, and by extension, life as we know it. If the laws of physics fully determine the motion of every atom in our body, how could we possibly have free will - or do we have it after all?

Educated at Columbia University and the University of Texas, Samir Varma pursued his passion for physics under eminent physicists including Nobel Laureate Steven Weinberg. However, the cancellation of the Superconducting Supercollider prompted a pivot. Recognizing the changing landscape, Samir founded a futures trading company in 1993, becoming an early adopter of chaos theory in finance. He lives in Cos Cob, CT.