You will be shown a timer, counting down from 60s to 0s. At a time of your choosing, tap on the desk...
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You will be shown a timer, counting down from 60s to 0s. At a time of your choosing, tap on the desk with your pen. Record the time at which you decided to tap on the desk psychlotron. org.uk
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Transcript of You will be shown a timer, counting down from 60s to 0s. At a time of your choosing, tap on the desk...
You will be shown a timer, counting down from 60s to 0s. At a time of your choosing, tap on the desk
with your pen. Record the time at which you decided to
tap on the desk
psyc
hlot
ron.
org.
uk
Libet’s (1985) study of voluntary action
350ms
Onset of readiness potential
Action carried out
PP reports intention to act
electrical brain activity
psyc
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org.
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What does Libet’s finding imply about the role of conscious choice in behaviour?
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The determinist stance
Conscious ‘choice’ does not determine behaviour
Epiphenomenalism Mental states are a by-product of brain
states that have no causal properties NB: see the ‘mind-body problem’
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The determinist stance
Libet’s compromise: The brain generates many possible ways of
behaving Free will is the ‘chooser’
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The homunculus problemThis is called an infinite regress. It is bad.
Libet’s position requires a
‘chooser’ to decide how we act
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Can free will exist in a universe governed by physical laws?
Is it possible to preserve ‘freedom of choice’ without falling into dualism?
Can we do psychology without being determinists?
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Reading
Gross (1996) pp.874-876Pennington (2003) pp. 229-231
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