Neuroscience and Conscious Causation: Has Neuroscience Shown that We Cannot Control Our Own Actions?

摘要: Neuroscience has begun to elucidate the mechanisms of volition, decision-making, and action. Some have taken progress neuroscience made in these areas indicate that we are not free choose our actions (e.g., Harris 2012). The notion can consciously initiate behavior is a crucial tenet concept will, closely linked how most individuals view themselves as persons. There thus reason inquire if aforementioned inference drawn by some might be too hasty. While there much evidence appearing consciousness does influence behavior—including indicating neural activity precedes decision several seconds, predicts what action an individual will perform, infer when they decided act after was performed—this seems suffer methodological issues. Additionally, empirically supported interpretations data consistent with idea control their actions. This paper therefore concludes currently substantiate cannot or