Debates on free will hardly ever look at its epistemic (knowledge-related) benefits. Fabio Tollon suggests that believing in free will (or even the feeling of freedom we all hold to some degree) is essential to changing our very beliefs. By thinking of our beliefs as being based on our own decisions (i.e., we have the freedom to believe in them), they can be “challenged” or even “revised” when they’re proven to be false by contrary evidence, much like how our tangible actions can be questioned by those around us. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
