People I Mostly Admire: Robert Sapolsky. “I Don’t Think We Have Any Free Will Whatsoever.”

This podcast is a quick ramble through the work of one of the greatest living psychologists: Robert Sapolsky. He talks about his work with baboons, stress in humans, and the biological origins of violence. He also touches on wider issues: free will, and the criminal justice system. He likens today’s criminal justice system to the mediaeval practise of exorcising people with epilepsy, based on the belief that they were possessed by demons.

Everyone applying to university to do Psychology should know about the work of Robert Sapolsky. He’s a bright academic star, who has something really relevant to say about behaviour, and wider societal issues. He’s also not covered on the A level syllabus, so if you show that you know about his work, you are demonstrating a wider interest in the subject which will support your UCAS application.

If you like this podcast, you should also definitely read Behave by the same author.

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/pima-robert-sapolsky/

Behave, by Robert Sapolsky.

I read this book during lockdown, and it is now my number one recommendation for A-level students who are interested in Psychology.

Robert Sapolsky has spent a lifetime studying the biology of human behaviour, and this book explains the multiple overlapping explanations for our actions, starting with nervous impulses in the brain. He covers childhood, cultural, and evolutionary influences, and explains the interactions between them.

Sapolsky has an astonishing depth and breadth of knowledge, which shines through his writing. He also illustrates his ideas with very accessible personal and political stories, which make the book very readable. One really impressive thing about his book is the way that he stands back and views the big picture of human behaviour, and is clear and precise about the way that cognitive, biological, and sociological ideas are actually all part of the same system.

This book is a really impressive piece of work and you should read it straight away.