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Does the brain “initiate” freely willed processes? A philosophy of science critique of Libet-type experiments and their interpretation.
- Source :
-
Theory & Psychology . Feb2013, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p3-21. 19p. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- In the extensive, recent debates on free will, the pioneering experiments by Benjamin Libet continue to play a significant role. It is often claimed that these experiments demonstrate the illusory nature of freely willed actions. In this article, we provide a detailed analysis and evaluation of Libet’s experiments from a philosophy of science perspective. Our analysis focuses on Libet’s central notion of the “initiation” of freely willed processes by the brain. We examine four interpretations of the notion of initiation: in terms of a cause, a necessary condition, a correlation, and a regular succession. We argue that none of these four interpretations can be supported by the design and results of Libet’s experiments. In addition, we analyze two recent Libet-type experiments. Our general conclusion is that neither Libet’s original experiments nor later Libet-type experiments can justify the claim that allegedly freely willed processes are in fact initiated by the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09593543
- Volume :
- 23
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Theory & Psychology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 85169533
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0959354312460926