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February 10, 2026

Doha Debates Town Hall: Do we really have free will?

89 MINS

Are we in control of our choices, or is free will just an illusion? 

Groundbreaking neuroscience and behavioral psychology suggest that our decisions might be dictated by internal processes beyond our conscious awareness. Meanwhile, AI arguably reduces human autonomy by making fewer—and less authentic—choices on our behalf. So how much control do we really have? And if there is no such thing as genuine free will, then what are the ramifications for our justice systems?

This debate explores how societies with different belief systems grapple with the concept of autonomy. Guided by host Imran Garda, expert guests Gregg Caruso, Jeremy Koons and Dr. Omar Suleiman explore differing conceptions of free will, and how they might shape everyday ethics and criminal justice systems. Can we hold people accountable if they have no ability to choose their actions freely? Do we punish or rehabilitate? And how do we approach forgiveness?  

 

Participants

Omar Suleiman Headshot e1762955739966 104 104

Omar Suleiman

Koons headshot 104 104

Jeremy Koons

Academic

Gregg Caruso Headshot 104 104

Gregg Caruso

unnamed 104 104

Imran Garda

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