A famous experiment conducted by psychologist Benjamin Libet suggests that decisions are made by our brains before we become consciously aware of them.
This raises questions about free will and whether we are truly in control of our actions.
Overview of Libet's Experiment
The experiment involves fitting a subject with electrodes to track brain activity.
Subjects are instructed to press a button spontaneously while observing a clock.
The task is to note the exact time when the decision to move is consciously made.
Key Findings from the Experiment
Brain activity indicating movement begins about 2.5 seconds before the conscious decision is reported.
Conscious awareness of the decision to move occurs just before the action is executed.
There is significant neural activity before conscious awareness, suggesting pre-conscious brain activity.
Implications on Free Will
The experiment suggests that our intuitions about free will may be flawed.
The brain prepares for actions before we consciously decide, challenging the notion of free will as traditionally understood.
There is a disconnect between subjective experience and the brain's physical processes.
Case Study: Alan's Experiment Results
Alan's brain showed activity ramping up about a second before deciding to hit the button.
Alan hit the button almost simultaneously with deciding, differing from typical results.
Interpretation: Alan is perceived as a spontaneous subject.
Discussion on Conscious and Unconscious Decision-Making
Conscious decisions are influenced by preceding unconscious neural activity.
The idea of a 'ghost in the machine' or an independent decision-maker is challenged by neurological findings.
Example: Resisting impulses, like refusing a second piece of chocolate, involves complex unconscious processing.
Conclusion on Free Will and Brain Function
The traditional notion of free will doesn't align with how the brain actually functions.
Although we make decisions and have deliberation, it's a result of both conscious and unconscious brain processes.
The concept of free will persists but is redefined in the context of neuroscience.
The logical conclusion is that free will may not be as free as commonly believed but is part of a physical system without a separate soul or divine influence.