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Free Will and Neuroscience

Peter Tse

In this course, we will discuss free will from a neuroscientific perspective.

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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.

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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.
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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

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

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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
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
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
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
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Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on neural circuits and volitional attention
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
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
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
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
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

Career center

Learners who complete Free Will and Neuroscience will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroethicist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Psychologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physiologist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Brain Imaging Technician

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.
Cover image
Introducing Psychology
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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.
Introducing Psychology
Paperback
Check
Introducing Psychology
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Illusion of Conscious Will, New Edition
Save
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.
The Illusion of Conscious Will, New Edition
Paperback
Check
The Illusion of Conscious Will, New Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Aspects of Agency
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.
Aspects of Agency
Paperback
Check
Aspects of Agency
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Four Views on Free Will
Save
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.
Four Views on Free Will
Paperback
Check
Four Views on Free Will
Kindle Edition
Check
Equality
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.
Equality
Paperback
Check
Equality
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Necessity, Volition, and Love
Save
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.
Necessity, Volition, and Love
Paperback
Check
Necessity, Volition, and Love
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
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:
  1. The Basics of Libertarian Free Will
  2. Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality
  3. 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
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