(This is a bit nerdy, so feel free to move on to other subjects)
I have read some fairly persuasive papers arguing that sentient beings do not have free will. This goes back in part to research by Daniel Kahnemann and Amos Tversky, suggesting that the subconscious mind may often reach conclusions based on heuristics rather than objective facts. And people have an habit of explaining decisions, choices and observations that are demonstrably disconnected from the underlying reality. It could be as simple as explaining why you chose a particular menu item, to your beliefs about the origins of life.
This link describes how a surgical remedy for severe epilepsy opened up an unexpected way to test the existence of free will.
Should you wish you can learn more if you search on you tube for - The Surgery That Proved There Is No Free Will
Many of us have theories about why we are the way we are. This research should give us pause before accepting the explanations we tell ourselves.
