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How does neuroscience affect our conception of volition?
1Department of Philosophy, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA. adina.roskies@dartmouth.edu
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|June 25, 2010
Summary
Neuroscience research explores the neural basis of volition and voluntary behavior. Current findings offer insights into the will but have not yet challenged common sense beliefs about free will.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- The concepts of volition, agency, and voluntary behavior lack a precise definition.
- Intuitive notions of the will are widely held despite conceptual ambiguity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroscientific findings relevant to intuitive concepts of the will.
- To examine how neuroscience research informs our understanding of volition and voluntary action.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroscientific research studies.
- Analysis of neural circuits associated with behaviors related to will and volition.
Main Results:
- Neuroscientific results provide insights into neural circuits mediating will and volition.
- Current findings have not fundamentally disrupted common sense beliefs about free will.
Conclusions:
- Neuroscience offers valuable insights into the neural underpinnings of volition.
- Emerging evidence raises new questions and may challenge some intuitive ideas about free will.
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