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.