Causal Happenstance: How We KNOW The Will Isn't Free And Life Isn't Meaningless

By Brent Wiseman

There are two major misconceptions about determinism:

1. That it isn't settled.
That we don't already know - through logic, rationality, science, and philosophy - that free will is an illusion. A large portion of the population seem to have made it their personal crusade to ignore the proof of determinism in countless creative ways, in order to white-knuckle protect their pride, religion, identity, meaning, etc. - things which, in their mind, determinism threatens.

2. That determinism leads to nihilism.
This misunderstanding is far more dangerous. Many believe that if our choices aren't "free", then life can't be meaningful. This book shows why that conclusion is not only false, but backwards.

This book dismantles both misconceptions - with logic, clarity, humor, irreverence, and even occasional wit.

Accessible enough for curious newcomers yet insightful enough to surprise veterans of the debate, Causal Happenstance makes a foundational philosophical idea easy to understand and - more importantly - to internalize; Especially for those who have avoided determinism in an attempt to "protect" their meaning by keeping their heads firmly in the sand.

The central thesis is simple:

Determinism is true. And you can safely - and meaningfully - unbury said head.

---"A hilarious and accessible romp through the concepts of determinism and free will, and how it affects meaning, pride, responsibility, morality, and more." - The author

"I mean.. I've read a little of the first chapter of your book you gave me 2 months ago.." - The author's wife

"Writing books is super hard. 128 pages is super impressive. Don't let anybody tell you differently." - Definitely not the author, possibly - you don't know

"I'm very impressed by this Brent Wiseman guy." Sam Harris, hopefully

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INCLUDES:
Who am I to make such claims? - What is determinism? - How do we know it to be true? - Movie quotes - Inappropriate jokes - Irrelevant pop culture references - The Formula of Preference - Intellectual hedonism - "But quantum mechanics, tho" - "But God, tho" - Making fun of a philosophy professor - What pride and responsibility look like with determinism - How determinism can improve your decision-making, empathy, and overall life - Making more fun of a philosophy professor - And how determinism unlocks a more robust sense of purpose than free will ever could.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G6LQBQR2
• ISBN13: 9798278150718
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 142 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"