We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Peter Tse
In this course, we will discuss free will from a neuroscientific perspective.
Read more
In this course, we will discuss free will from a neuroscientific perspective.
Read more
In this course, we will discuss free will from a neuroscientific perspective.
Module one of the course will explore two neuroscientific arguments against free will from Libet and Wegner and evaluate neuroscientists’ arguments against free will. You will also examine where these experiments do not succeed in debunking free will.
In module two, the anatomy and physiology of neurons will be described. You will also learn how they communicate. You will have an understanding about neural anatomy and physiology to consciousness, attention, and free will.
In the final and the third module of the course, you will explore an example of the top-down influence on bottom-up processing called volitional attention. You will see how neural circuits responsible for both volitional and non-volitional thought and action interact with each other. Next, you will learn how a neural circuit can change its physical structure and function, and how these changes might impact human behavior.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/rxyv13/free
Two deals to help you save
We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Neuroscientific Arguments Against Free Will
This module explains neuroscientific arguments against free will including Libet experiment and Wegner's experiment.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Neuroscientific Arguments Against Free Will
This module explains neuroscientific arguments against free will including Libet experiment and Wegner's experiment.
Read more
Module 2: The Neuroscience of Free Will: Part 1
This module deals with the neuroscientific aspects of free will including the structure and function of neuron, neural receptors, and concepts such as indeterminism. It also explains the top-down executive function of the brain.
The Neuroscience of Free Will: Part 2
This module explores the concept of volition in the brain and further explores concepts such as the neural basis of mindfulness, volitional imagination, self-transformation etc.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Neuroscience students who want to apply fundamentals to philosophical inquiry or could consider working on topics like neuroethics or the neuroscience of consciousness may be interested
Researchers in the fields of neuroscience or philosophy may find this course beneficial in their studies
Graduate students in related fields may find this course relevant to their academic studies
Suitable for learners, students, and professionals who seek to enhance their understanding of the scientific perspectives on free will
The course delves into topics like neural processes, brain regions, and the potential for neuroplasticity, which may hold particular relevance for neuroscientists and cognitive scientists
Generally accessible to those with a basic understanding of scientific concepts and terminology in the field of neuroscience
Save this course
Save Free Will and Neuroscience to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Free Will and Neuroscience with these
activities:
Review the structure and function of neurons
Show steps
Build a strong foundation in neuroscience to support understanding of free will.
Show steps
-
Review online resources on neuron structure and function
-
Read a textbook chapter on the topic
-
Take practice quizzes to test your understanding
Read 'Free Will' by Sam Harris
Show steps
Explore the arguments for and against free will from a neuroscientific perspective.
View
Sam Kerr Kicking Goals Collection: Featuring...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Take notes on the main arguments
-
Write a summary of the book
Simulate Libet's experiment
Show steps
Replicate the experiment that demonstrates the time lag between the conscious intention to move and the actual movement.
Show steps
-
Gather materials: a ruler, a pen, and a blindfold
-
Blindfold yourself and hold the pen in your dominant hand
-
Ask a partner to hold the ruler vertically, with the zero mark at the bottom
-
Instruct your partner to drop the ruler at a random time
-
As soon as you see the ruler falling, try to catch it with the pen
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on neural circuits and volitional attention
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying free will.
Browse courses on
Neural Circuits
Show steps
-
Find tutorials on neural circuits and volitional attention
-
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
-
Take notes on the key concepts
Lead a discussion group or tutor other students
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding by teaching others and engaging in discussions.
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to lead a discussion group or tutor other students
-
Prepare materials and plan your sessions
-
Facilitate discussions or provide individualized support
-
Reflect on your experiences and seek feedback
Design an experiment to test Wegner's theory of conscious will
Show steps
Develop a research proposal that outlines an experiment to investigate the role of conscious will in decision-making.
Show steps
-
Review Wegner's theory of conscious will
-
Identify the key variables involved in decision-making
-
Design an experiment that manipulates these variables
-
Predict the results of the experiment
-
Write up a research proposal outlining the experiment
Develop a presentation on the neuroscience of free will
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge and communicate it effectively to others.
Browse courses on
Consciousness
Show steps
-
Organize your findings into a coherent presentation
-
Research the neuroscience of free will
-
Create visual aids to support your presentation
-
Practice your presentation
-
Deliver your presentation
Design a neural network model to simulate free will
Show steps
Challenge your understanding and apply your knowledge to create a computational model of free will.
Browse courses on
Neural Networks
Show steps
-
Learn about neural networks and their applications
-
Design a neural network architecture to model free will
-
Train and test your neural network
-
Evaluate the performance of your neural network
Review the structure and function of neurons
Show steps
Build a strong foundation in neuroscience to support understanding of free will.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review online resources on neuron structure and function
- Read a textbook chapter on the topic
- Take practice quizzes to test your understanding
Read 'Free Will' by Sam Harris
Show steps
Explore the arguments for and against free will from a neuroscientific perspective.
View
Sam Kerr Kicking Goals Collection: Featuring...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Take notes on the main arguments
- Write a summary of the book
Simulate Libet's experiment
Show steps
Replicate the experiment that demonstrates the time lag between the conscious intention to move and the actual movement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather materials: a ruler, a pen, and a blindfold
- Blindfold yourself and hold the pen in your dominant hand
- Ask a partner to hold the ruler vertically, with the zero mark at the bottom
- Instruct your partner to drop the ruler at a random time
- As soon as you see the ruler falling, try to catch it with the pen
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on neural circuits and volitional attention
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying free will.
Browse courses on
Neural Circuits
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find tutorials on neural circuits and volitional attention
- Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
- Take notes on the key concepts
Lead a discussion group or tutor other students
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding by teaching others and engaging in discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to lead a discussion group or tutor other students
- Prepare materials and plan your sessions
- Facilitate discussions or provide individualized support
- Reflect on your experiences and seek feedback
Design an experiment to test Wegner's theory of conscious will
Show steps
Develop a research proposal that outlines an experiment to investigate the role of conscious will in decision-making.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review Wegner's theory of conscious will
- Identify the key variables involved in decision-making
- Design an experiment that manipulates these variables
- Predict the results of the experiment
- Write up a research proposal outlining the experiment
Develop a presentation on the neuroscience of free will
Show steps
Synthesize your knowledge and communicate it effectively to others.
Browse courses on
Consciousness
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Organize your findings into a coherent presentation
- Research the neuroscience of free will
- Create visual aids to support your presentation
- Practice your presentation
- Deliver your presentation
Design a neural network model to simulate free will
Show steps
Challenge your understanding and apply your knowledge to create a computational model of free will.
Browse courses on
Neural Networks
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Learn about neural networks and their applications
- Design a neural network architecture to model free will
- Train and test your neural network
- Evaluate the performance of your neural network
Career center
Learners who complete Free Will and Neuroscience will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Neuroethicist
Neuroethicist
Neuroethicists explore the ethical implications of neuroscience research and its applications. They consider issues such as the use of brain scans in criminal trials, the development of new brain-based technologies, and the impact of neuroscience on our understanding of free will. This course would provide a Neuroethicist with a foundation in neuroscience that is essential for their work. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would be particularly valuable.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists study the brain and nervous system. They conduct research to understand how the brain works and how it controls our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This course would provide a Neuroscientist with a foundation in the latest research on free will and moral responsibility. The course's focus on the neural basis of consciousness and attention would also be relevant to the work of Neuroscientists.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. They research topics such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. A strong understanding of neuroscience is a foundation for success in this role. This course would introduce a Psychologist to the latest research in neuroscience, including neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illness. They use their knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, and medicine to understand and treat mental disorders. This course would provide a Psychiatrist with a foundation in neuroscience that is essential for their work. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that Psychiatrists face in their work.
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologist
Cognitive Psychologists study the mind and how it works. They research topics such as memory, attention, language, and problem-solving. A strong understanding of neuroscience is a foundation for success in this role. This course would introduce a Cognitive Psychologist to the latest research in neuroscience, including neuroimaging techniques and their applications.
Neurologist
Neurologist
Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases of the nervous system. They use their knowledge of neuroscience to understand how the brain and spinal cord function and to develop treatments for neurological disorders. This course would introduce a Neurologist with the basics of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the brain. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that Neurologists face in their work.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists help the legal system understand the behavior of criminals and other individuals involved in legal proceedings. They use their knowledge of psychology and neuroscience to assess risk, evaluate competency, and provide expert testimony. This course would provide a Forensic Psychologist with a foundation in neuroscience that is specifically relevant to their work with criminal defendants. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would be particularly valuable.
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs on the body. They develop new drugs and therapies to treat diseases and improve health. A strong understanding of neuroscience is essential for this role. Understanding how the brain works and how drugs affect the brain is key to pharmacology. This course would introduce a Pharmacologist to the latest research in behavioral neuroscience and neuropharmacology.
Physiologist
Physiologist
Physiologists study the function of living organisms. They research topics such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system and how they work together to maintain homeostasis. A strong understanding of neuroscience is essential for this role. This course would introduce a Physiologist to the latest research in neuroscience, including neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers design user interfaces for websites and apps. They use their knowledge of human behavior and psychology to create interfaces that are easy to use and enjoyable. A strong understanding of neuroscience is beneficial for success in this role. This course would introduce a UX Designer with the basics of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the brain. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that UX Designers face in their work.
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists conduct research to develop new treatments and cures for diseases. They use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, and neuroscience to understand the human body and its functions. This course would introduce a Medical Scientist with the basics of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the brain. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that Medical Scientists face in their work.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience. They write for magazines, newspapers, and websites, and they often specialize in a particular field of science, such as neuroscience. This course would provide a Science Writer with a foundation in neuroscience that would help them to write accurately and engagingly about the latest research. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that Science Writers face in their work.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to college. They develop lesson plans, teach lessons and grade assignments. A strong understanding of neuroscience is beneficial for success in this role. This course would introduce a Teacher with the basics of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the brain. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that Teachers face in their work.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instruction manuals, user guides, and other technical documentation. They write for a variety of audiences, including engineers, scientists, and consumers. A strong understanding of neuroscience is beneficial for success in this role. This course would introduce a Technical Writer with the basics of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the brain. The course's focus on free will and moral responsibility would also be relevant to the ethical considerations that Technical Writers face in their work.
Brain Imaging Technician
Brain Imaging Technician
Brain Imaging Technicians operate MRI, CT, and PET scanners to produce images of the brain and other parts of the body. Understanding the brain's structure and function is essential for this role. This course would help a Brain Imaging Technician build a foundation in neuroscience that complements their technical skills.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rxyv13/free
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Free Will and Neuroscience.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and scientific debate on free will. It is helpful as a source for background and additional reading on the philosophical side of the discussion of free will.
Argues that conscious will is an illusion and that our actions are determined by unconscious processes. It is helpful as a source for additional reading on the philosophical side of the discussion of free will.
Save
Provides a critical review of the neuroscientific arguments against free will. It is helpful as a source for additional reading on the neuroscientific side of the discussion of free will.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the debate on free will, agency, and moral responsibility. It is helpful as a source for additional reading on the philosophical side of the discussion of free will.
Save
Provides a philosophical essay on the nature of the will. It is helpful as a source for additional reading on the philosophical side of the discussion of free will.
Explores the relationship between freedom and responsibility. It is helpful as a source for additional reading on the ethical side of the discussion of free will.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rxyv13/free
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Free Will and Neuroscience.
The Basics of Libertarian Free Will
OpenCourser.com/course/m86hu3/the
The Basics of Libertarian Free Will
Most relevant
Anatomy & Physiology: Support & Movement
OpenCourser.com/course/r4j0ux/anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology: Support & Movement
Anatomy & Physiology: Regulation, Integration, & Control
OpenCourser.com/course/mu1qng/anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology: Regulation, Integration, & Control
Anatomy & Physiology: Fluids, Transport, and Defense
OpenCourser.com/course/h6elcp/anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology: Fluids, Transport, and Defense
Medical Neuroscience
OpenCourser.com/course/a1xx81/medical
Medical Neuroscience
Anatomy & Physiology: Exchange and Energy
OpenCourser.com/course/ohqc9i/anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology: Exchange and Energy
Aquaponics – the circular food production system
OpenCourser.com/course/6sicby/aquaponics
Aquaponics – the circular food production system
Anatomy & Physiology: Filtration and Reproduction
OpenCourser.com/course/rgegl3/anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology: Filtration and Reproduction
Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to Know
OpenCourser.com/course/ynhrqd/voice
Voice Disorders: What Patients and Professionals Need to...
Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Peter Tse
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Libertarian Free Will. It's comprised of three courses:
- The Basics of Libertarian Free Will
- Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality
- Free Will and Neuroscience (viewing)
Good to know
Neuroscience students who want to apply fundamentals to philosophical inquiry or could consider working on topics like neuroethics or the neuroscience of consciousness may be interested
Researchers in the fields of neuroscience or philosophy may find this course beneficial in their studies
Graduate students in related fields may find this course relevant to their academic studies
Suitable for learners, students, and professionals who seek to enhance their understanding of the scientific perspectives on free will
The course delves into topics like neural processes, brain regions, and the potential for neuroplasticity, which may hold particular relevance for neuroscientists and cognitive scientists
Generally accessible to those with a basic understanding of scientific concepts and terminology in the field of neuroscience
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser