Questions and Answers
What is the classic philosophical problem that the lecture focuses on?
The problem of determinism
How is the universe governed?
By cause and effect
What is the main conflict in the problem of free will and determinism?
The conflict between the second picture: free will and the first picture: determinism
Which scientific theory challenges the idea of a deterministic universe?
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Which ancient Greek philosophy believed in strict determinism?
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What did Grey Walter's experiments in the 1960s suggest about the perception of actions?
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What is the timing of the readiness potential before the actual movement according to Libet's experiments?
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According to Libet's findings, when does the subjective intention or decision to move occur?
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What is the conclusion drawn by Libet regarding consciousness and the chain of events leading to movement?
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What aspect of free will is argued to be significant by some in the context of Libet's experiment?
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Study Notes
- Benjamin Libet conducted experiments to explore the timing of voluntary actions and conscious decisions in the brain
- Subjects were asked to move their hand whenever they felt like it, while observing a revolving door of light as a timekeeping measure
- Findings revealed that the readiness potential, which initiates the chain of events leading to movement, occurs about 535 milliseconds before the actual movement
- Subjective intention or decision to move comes about 200 milliseconds before the movement
- Libet suggests that consciousness may play a role in interrupting the chain of events before movement occurs, but this is not a definitive conclusion
- False starts in sports competitions, such as the Olympic 100-meter dash, have been precisely measured and can disqualify a runner if they react too quickly
- Libet's experiment challenges the common understanding of free will, suggesting that deliberation and decision may not always precede voluntary action
- Some argue that the kind of free will we care about is the ability to make major choices, not every movement in every context
- Dennett and Kinsbourne, James, and Libet are suggested readings for further exploration of the free will debate
- Questions to consider: Do you believe in free will? What does the concept mean to you? What would convince you otherwise?
