Libet raises the interesting question as to why specific parts of the cortex give rise to sense perceptions of a specific quality--i.e. what is special about the organization of the neurons in the visual cortex that it gives rise to visual sensation, as compared to the neurons in the auditory cortex.
According to Libet, there is a growing consensus that the mind does not arise from a few specialized neurons, but is a global process that involves large numbers of neurons working simultaneously. This fits in to McFadden's cemi theory, though Libet does not refer to it. Without embracing it, Libet raises the idea that a non-physical mind cold affect the physical brain. There are three possibilities to account for conscious veto. First, there could be true free will, with a immaterial conscious mind affecting the future state of the brain. Second, the veto could be essentially random, and give the illusion of free will without truly being chosen. Third, there could be prior antecedents in the brain which give rise to the conscious veto, though Libet has not found any.
Free will is of course an issue in moral philosophy and criminal justice. If the choices people make are predetermined, or determined at random, some defendant is sure to plead innocent because "my neurons made me do it" But even if people are not innocent or guilty in terms of having freely chosen to commit crime, it would still be reasonable to take such criminals out of circulation until they are no longer dangerous.
Article comments
1 - alienboy
Interesting questions, but I find myself wondering - Does it really matter whether an impulse originates in the sub-concious or concious mind?
I'm not concerned with the seat of thought, more by what each individual does... Just because something originated subconciously doesn't matter, what they actually do does.
I have millions of unconcious impulses a day, but don't follow them all.
2 - larry
The point is that, by definition, it is not possible to be aware at the time of an action those that are unconscious. Volition is, also by definition, a conscious act. We live life, far more than less, "unconsciously". Awareness of the interaction between the origin of thought (or intention) and the time allowed for "free will" or "free won't" is an important insight that may begin to explain concepts of introspection, meditation and possibly even dissociation and other unique psychological experiences. Where is the mind when it is at the node of volition and action?
3 - DrPat
This book review has been selected for Advance.net. You'’ll be able to find this and other Blog Critics reviews at such places as Cleveland.com’'s Book Reviews column.