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Published on: October 28, 2020
Action, agency and responsibility
1Wellcome Centre for Neuroimaging at University College London, 12 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; All Souls College, Oxford, UK; Interacting Minds Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark.
Abstract:
In a series of experiments Marc Jeannerod revealed that we have very little awareness of the details and causes of our actions. We are, however, vividly aware of being in control of our actions and this gives us a sense of responsibility. These feelings arise, first, from intentional binding which creates a perception of agency, linking an intentional action to its outcome and, second, from the counterfactual reasoning that we could have chosen some other action. These feelings of responsibility play a critical role in creating social cohesion since they allow people to be held to account for deliberate antisocial behaviour. Jeannerod's studies also showed that we are unaware of how little we know about our actions and so are happy to make up stories about the nature and causes of our behaviour. These stories often do not correspond with the underlying cognitive and neural processes, but they can be changed through instructions and through discussion with others. Our experience of responsibility for action emerges during our upbringing through exposure to our culture. This creates consensus about the causes of behaviour, but not necessarily accuracy.
Insights
We lack awareness of action details but feel responsible due to agency perception and counterfactual thought. This sense of responsibility is crucial for social cohesion and accountability.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Marc Jeannerod's research highlights a disconnect between our awareness of action execution and its underlying causes.
- Individuals possess a strong sense of agency and control over their actions, irrespective of detailed causal awareness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the origins and implications of the subjective experience of agency and responsibility.
- To investigate the mechanisms, such as intentional binding and counterfactual reasoning, that contribute to the feeling of control.
- To understand the role of these feelings in social interactions and accountability.
Main Methods:
- Experimental studies by Marc Jeannerod examining action awareness and perception.
- Analysis of psychological mechanisms including intentional binding and counterfactual reasoning.
- Exploration of the socio-cultural influences on the experience of responsibility.
Main Results:
- We have limited awareness of the precise details and causes of our actions.
- A vivid sense of control and agency is consistently experienced, fostering responsibility.
- Intentional binding and counterfactual reasoning are key contributors to the perception of agency.
- Explanations for behavior often lack accuracy but can be modified through social interaction.
Conclusions:
- The subjective experience of responsibility is a crucial social construct, vital for accountability and social cohesion.
- Our understanding of action control is largely based on post-hoc rationalizations rather than direct introspective accuracy.
- Cultural upbringing shapes our understanding and experience of responsibility for actions.
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