definition

Proximal vs Distal Causes of Behavior

People get mired by confusing proximal and distal causes: proximally we make choices reflecting our tastes, quirks, values, and beliefs—this is real—but the decisive question is how we came to be the kind of person with those quirks, and that is the domain where free will dissolves.

definitionpending

Speaker

Robert Sapolsky

Evidence Quote

where people get very mired is this contrast between proximal and distal causes of behavior

Source

360 - We Really Don T Have Free WillMaking Sense with Sam Harris
Created: 6/14/2026, 2:19:39 AM

My Notes

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