There’s No Such Thing as Free Will

6/25/2016

This article challenges the notion of free will, arguing that our actions are predetermined by factors beyond our control. It explores research in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to argue that our choices are influenced by our genetics, upbringing, environment, and subconscious biases. The article questions whether our sense of agency and personal responsibility are illusions, and suggests that understanding the complex interplay of these influences can lead to a more compassionate and empathetic society. It concludes by suggesting that although free will may be an illusion, accepting this does not negate the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.

self-determination ꞏ psychology ꞏ psychology of choice ꞏ ethics ꞏ reductionism ꞏ neuroscience ꞏ existentialism ꞏ philosophy of mind ꞏ psychological theories ꞏ moral psychology ꞏ cognitive science ꞏ social psychology ꞏ neurobiology ꞏ mental causation ꞏ experimental philosophy ꞏ cognitive neuroscience ꞏ agency ꞏ neuroethics ꞏ moral philosophy ꞏ philosophy of action ꞏ moral responsibility ꞏ determinism vs indeterminism ꞏ compatibilism ꞏ philosophy ꞏ neurophilosophy ꞏ morality ꞏ cognitive psychology ꞏ metaphysics ꞏ free will ꞏ neurology ꞏ volition ꞏ determinism ꞏ human behavior ꞏ nature vs nurture ꞏ attention and free will ꞏ consciousness and the brain ꞏ brain and behavior ꞏ mind-brain problem ꞏ decision making ꞏ philosophy of science ꞏ consciousness ꞏ consciousness studies ꞏ causality ꞏ self-awareness ꞏ mind-body problem ꞏ philosophy of psychology