18 Questions
What distinguishes voluntary actions from reflexes?
Initiation in the absence of external stimuli, reliance on internal goals, involvement of specific brain regions
What is the role of the lateral route (parietal-premotor-M1) in action execution?
It is crucial for movements externally triggered, integrating sensory input to motor output.
How do philosophical debates view the relationship between volition and human dignity?
Debates range from autonomy to environmental determinism perspectives.
Which brain regions are commonly associated with voluntary actions?
PreSMA and SMA
What characterizes actions that are considered 'voluntary'?
Initiation without external stimuli, internal goals, specific brain regions involved
What is the ongoing subject of research and debate regarding 'voluntary' actions?
The neural basis of what constitutes a 'voluntary' action
What is utilization behavior?
Utilization behavior is when individuals automatically use objects in their environment without deliberate intention.
What concept did the Kornhuber and Deecke study in 1966 introduce?
The readiness potential, a neural precursor to voluntary movements.
What do brain imaging studies on intention focus on?
Identifying the neural correlates of the intention to perform an action before execution.
What do debates about 'Free Will' focus on?
Debates focus on whether individuals have control over their actions or if decisions are predetermined by brain activity.
What does the concept of 'Free Will' suggest about conscious decision-making?
Suggests that the sense of volition may emerge from unconscious brain processes that precede conscious decision-making.
Which areas of the brain are highlighted in forming intentions before conscious awareness?
preSMA and parietal cortex.
What areas are involved in internally generated actions according to the text?
preSMA and SMA
What is the key role of the preSMA in action initiation?
Higher-order decision-making processes related to action initiation
What are some contrasting views regarding the functions of SMA and pre-SMA in voluntary action?
Functions range from action initiation, sequence planning, to cognitive control and inhibition
What is highlighted as the SMA's role in voluntary action?
Motor preparation and execution
In contrast to the SMA, what is the pre-SMA seen as being more involved in?
Decision-making and the integration of cognitive with motor processes
What underpins much of the research on volition according to the text?
The distinction between internally vs. externally triggered actions
Explore the concept of volition involving the exercise of will to perform voluntary actions, and the debates on its impact on human dignity. Learn about philosophical perspectives and neuroscientific approaches to understand the neural pathways enabling volition.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
