Free Will

Free Will
What affects the decisions we make?
presented by our very own Kelly George

• Do we have free will?
• If so, how often do we exercise it?
• If not, what is making our decisions for us?

When does free will come into play in decision-making? Is it "turtles all the way down" as the saying goes, or is there a certain point where extenuating circumstances aren't taken into account and free will takes over? This is a challenging question that much has been written about.

The concept of free will is ingrained in us as Americans; we believe we absolutely have free will. In order to broaden that notion of free will, I'll take you on an experiential journey within the walls of an imaginary ice cream shop. During our time in the shop, I will provide a number of chance encounters in order to contribute to our discussion of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of free will thinking.

In the meantime, I have some questions for you. What resources do you bring to a decision about what type of ice cream to choose? How does biology, psychology, and sociology impact your skillset, experience, health, availability, finances, sensations, proximity, relevance, time, social contact, or perception of that decision? Vary one of those aspects, and how does that impact your decision? Would you choose a different venue? Flavor? Bowl or cone? Would you get two scoops instead of one or maybe opt out entirely? Our ice cream shop will have a lot going on that may impact any one of those aspects.

I invite you to join me on this experiential journey of free will.

Here is a video to check out before session:
TedTalk: The Biology of our best and worst selves: Robert Sapolsky

Enjoy! Looking forward to our adventure in our Ice Cream Shop.

When and Where = 7:00PM Fri. 10 October 2025 - Price Chopper, Lenexa, Kansas.
________
Kelly George

• ice cream connoisseur
• literal generalist with a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS-sadly no longer offered) from Wichita State University (three minors in History, Psychology, and Sociology)
• Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health
• extensive reading in all things related to being human

See you Friday!
Christopher (Captain Joy) - Debbie Smith - Fred (Crash)
Afterwards: We'll continue our conversations over drinks and food at the Blue Moose.
* * *
Come early between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. to chat and make new friends before we get started. But be sure to join us by 6:55, if you can, so we can start right at 7:00.
All attendees are expected to follow the P&P Code of Conduct, so all can feel safe while we have a great time.

WANT MORE DISCUSSION, DURING THE WEEK?: Just a reminder that we can continue our discussion of this event (or anything else) on our P&P Discord server. Here's how to use it:
If you’re new to Discord, go to discord.com to open an account.
If you’re new to our P&P Discord group, join us at: https://discord.gg/tS3ejMqmsh
If you joined us on Discord earlier, find Provocateurs & Peacemakers at: discord.com.