This behavior in the lab, the researchers noted, squares with studies in recent decades showing an increase in the number of college students who admit to cheating. During this same period, other studies have shown a weakening in the popular belief in free will (although it’s still widely held).
“Doubting one’s free will may undermine the sense of self as agent,” Dr. Vohs and Dr. Schooler concluded. “Or, perhaps, denying free will simply provides the ultimate excuse to behave as one likes.”
It’s like a scientist I met who claimed there was no difference between his wife and a brick. I retorted that he never bought a diamond ring for any brick.
Francis Schaeffer makes the point that for a world view to be valid it must be “livable” in addition to making sense technically.