Making a Scientific Case for Conscious Agency and Free Will

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Neuropsychology, Cognitive Psychology, Science & Nature, Science
Cover of the book Making a Scientific Case for Conscious Agency and Free Will by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD, Elsevier Science
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD ISBN: 9780128052891
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publication: February 11, 2016
Imprint: Academic Press Language: English
Author: William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
ISBN: 9780128052891
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Publication: February 11, 2016
Imprint: Academic Press
Language: English

Making a Scientific Case for Conscious Agency and Free Will makes a series of arguments that certain human behaviors are impossible to explain in the absence of free will, and that free will emerges from materialistic processes of brain function. It outlines future directions for neuroscience studies that can harness emerging technologies and tools for systems-level analysis.

All humans have the sensation that they consciously will certain things to happen and that, in the absence of external constraints, they are free to choose from among alternatives. This notion of free will is deemed obvious by the average person based on common experience. Free will is frequently defended with arguments stemming from social, legal, philosophical, and religious perspectives. But these arguments appeal to consequences—not causes—of choices and decisions. In the past 3 decades, debate has raged within the scientific community over whether free will is in fact an illusion. Because free will would require conscious agency, the supporting corollary is that consciousness itself cannot do anything and is merely an observer rather than an actor.

  • Considers arguments for and against free will from religious, social, legal, and neuroscience perspectives
  • Provides thorough coverage of the manifold human behaviors that can be explained only by free will, from consciousness to creativity
  • Outlines future directions for further neuroscience research into the topic
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Making a Scientific Case for Conscious Agency and Free Will makes a series of arguments that certain human behaviors are impossible to explain in the absence of free will, and that free will emerges from materialistic processes of brain function. It outlines future directions for neuroscience studies that can harness emerging technologies and tools for systems-level analysis.

All humans have the sensation that they consciously will certain things to happen and that, in the absence of external constraints, they are free to choose from among alternatives. This notion of free will is deemed obvious by the average person based on common experience. Free will is frequently defended with arguments stemming from social, legal, philosophical, and religious perspectives. But these arguments appeal to consequences—not causes—of choices and decisions. In the past 3 decades, debate has raged within the scientific community over whether free will is in fact an illusion. Because free will would require conscious agency, the supporting corollary is that consciousness itself cannot do anything and is merely an observer rather than an actor.

More books from Elsevier Science

Cover of the book Why Penguins Communicate by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Ethical Challenges in Oncology by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Physical Properties of Rocks by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Tetrahymena Thermophila by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Nonlinear Digital Filters by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Tissue Engineering of the Peripheral Nerve: Biomaterials and Physical Therapy by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Cloud Storage Security by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Advances in Agronomy by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Biothermodynamics Part A by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Workplace Security Playbook by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Environmental Carbon Footprints by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Occupational Health Practice by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book Eukaryotic RNases and their Partners in RNA Degradation and Biogenesis by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book The Microwave Processing of Foods by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
Cover of the book The Catecholamines in Psychiatric and Neurologic Disorders by William R. Klemm, DVM, PhD
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy