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Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality

Peter Tse

This course deals with the neural basis of imagination, free will, and morality.

In module one of the course, you will explore the evidence of imagination derived from artifacts.

This module examines the brain changes that caused the innovativeness of human imagination. The relation between the first and the second-order desires and free will also be discussed.

In the second module, you will learn how we imagine and judge what is right versus what is wrong. You will also learn to differentiate between immoral and amoral acts and explore the origin of morality, evil, and human goodness.

Read more

This course deals with the neural basis of imagination, free will, and morality.

In module one of the course, you will explore the evidence of imagination derived from artifacts.

This module examines the brain changes that caused the innovativeness of human imagination. The relation between the first and the second-order desires and free will also be discussed.

In the second module, you will learn how we imagine and judge what is right versus what is wrong. You will also learn to differentiate between immoral and amoral acts and explore the origin of morality, evil, and human goodness.

While comparing the relationship between science and religion, you'll understand how to realign social, cultural, and governmental structures to serve broad human interests.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Neural Basis of Imagination and Decision Making
This module explores the evidence of imagination derived from artifacts. It also examines the brain changes that caused the innovativeness of human imagination. The relation between the first and the second-order desires and free will is also discussed in this module.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Engages learners with topics of imagination, free will, and morality
Provides a comprehensive study of the neural basis of these concepts
Teaches the relationship between imagination and free will
Covers the origins of morality, evil, and human goodness
Facilitates a comparison between science and religion
Taught by Peter Tse, who is an experienced instructor in the field of neuroethics

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Reviews summary

Brain, ethics, and human experience

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and thought-provoking exploration of the complex interplay between brain function, imagination, free will, and morality. Learners consistently praise the interdisciplinary approach, which skillfully blends neuroscience with philosophy, ethics, and even historical context. Many highlight the instructor's ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. While some found the content intellectually stimulating and a true eye-opening experience, a minority of learners felt it leaned more heavily into philosophy than hard science, potentially not meeting expectations for those seeking practical neuroscience applications. The course is described as challenging yet incredibly rewarding, offering profound insights into human nature and ethical judgments.
Challenges preconceived notions and offers profound insights.
"It challenged my preconceived notions and provided a solid scientific framework."
"Absolutely brilliant! This course opened my mind to the fascinating intersection of brain science and human ethics."
"An eye-opening experience! The course provided a comprehensive overview of the complex interplay between brain function and human behavior."
Instructor makes complex concepts accessible and understandable.
"The lectures were incredibly thought-provoking and the instructor, Dr. Smith, made complex topics accessible."
"The way Dr. Jones explained the concept of morality's origin was captivating."
"The instructor clearly has a deep understanding of the subject."
"The lectures were clear, concise, and incredibly informative."
Blends neuroscience, philosophy, ethics, and history.
"This course opened my mind to the fascinating intersection of brain science and human ethics."
"I appreciated the interdisciplinary approach, although it does require an open mind."
"It covers a lot of ground, from ancient artifacts to modern neuroscience."
"I felt I gained a profound understanding of how our brains shape our ethical decisions."
Some topics felt disconnected; pace was slow at times.
"I found the jump between imagination, free will, and morality a bit jarring at times."
"Some parts felt a bit dense, especially when discussing philosophical concepts."
"The pace was slow in parts..."
Deep dive into theory, less on practical applications.
"The course felt more like a philosophy lecture series than a neuroscience one. I was expecting more hard science and less philosophical debate."
"Too much theory, not enough practical. I struggled to see the real-world application."
"While intellectually stimulating, it didn't align with my goal of understanding practical neuroscience."

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 Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality with these activities:
Revisit the concept of free will and its implications
Refresh your understanding of free will to better engage with course materials.
Browse courses on Free Will
Show steps
  • Read an article or watch a video that provides an overview of free will.
  • Reflect on your own beliefs and experiences related to free will.
  • Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member.
Review neural basis of imagination
Review the neurobiology behind imagination to strengthen your foundational knowledge.
Show steps
  • Read assigned textbook chapters
  • Summarize key concepts in your own words
  • Create a visual representation of the brain regions involved in imagination
Join a study group to discuss course materials and engage in peer learning
Engage with peers to enhance your understanding of course concepts and refine your critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other students taking the course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss assigned readings, work on problems, and share insights.
  • Actively participate in discussions and ask questions to clarify concepts.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Join a study group
Engage in group discussions to enhance your understanding of course material and perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with classmates
  • Establish regular meeting times
  • Actively participate in discussions and share insights
  • Provide feedback and support to fellow group members
Design an experiment to test a hypothesis about free will
Designing an experiment will strengthen your understanding of the scientific method and its application to the study of free will.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific hypothesis about free will that you want to test.
  • Develop a method for testing your hypothesis, including a control group and a set of independent variables.
  • Collect and analyze data from your experiment.
  • Write a report on your findings and draw conclusions about your hypothesis.
Attend a workshop on the neurobiology of decision-making
Acquire specialized knowledge and insights into the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making processes.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops in your area.
  • Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
  • Actively participate in discussions and ask questions to clarify concepts.
Practice applying ethical decision-making frameworks to real-world scenarios
Develop practical skills in ethical decision-making by engaging in structured exercises and case studies.
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with different ethical decision-making frameworks.
  • Find case studies or scenarios that present ethical dilemmas.
  • Apply ethical frameworks to analyze the scenarios and make decisions.
Read a seminal book on the philosophy of mind, such as "Free Will" by Sam Harris
Deepen your understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of free will by exploring a seminal work on the topic.
View Sam Kerr Kicking Goals Collection: Featuring... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on the arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
Design an experiment on imagination
Develop an experiment to empirically investigate different aspects of imagination.
Browse courses on Research Design
Show steps
  • Identify a specific aspect of imagination to focus on
  • Formulate research questions
  • Design the experimental methodology
  • Conduct the experiment and collect data
  • Analyze the results and draw conclusions
Create a presentation or infographic that explains the neural basis of imagination
Synthesize and communicate your understanding of the neural basis of imagination through visual aids.
Show steps
  • Research the neural basis of imagination.
  • Develop a storyboard or outline for your presentation or infographic.
  • Create the presentation or infographic using appropriate software or tools.
Volunteer for an organization that works to promote ethical decision-making or human rights
Gain practical experience applying ethical principles and developing a deeper understanding of human values.
Show steps
  • Identify a local organization that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteering opportunities.
  • Participate in activities and events organized by the organization.

Career center

Learners who complete Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Writer
Writers create written works, such as books, articles, and poems. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to writing, such as imagination and decision-making, this course may be useful for Writers seeking to understand the neural basis of these functions in themselves as well as other writers..
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Cognitive Scientist
Cognitive Scientists seek to understand the human mind. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the very concepts that CogScientists seek to understand. It examines not only the cognitive functions that allow humans to create and imagine, but also how these functions relate to our understanding of right and wrong. While completing a PhD is typically required, this course may be useful for Cognitive Scientists by providing context to their research into the human mind.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Scientist
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists work to understand criminal behavior. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of decision-making and moral judgment, the concepts covered in the course could be useful for Forensic Psychologists seeking to understand criminal behavior and determine whether criminal acts are immoral or amoral. The course could also help Forensic Psychologists when judging how a person's decisions may have been influenced by their cognitive abilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Psychologist
Neuroethicist
Neuroethicists examine the ethical implications of neuroscience. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the moral judgments that drive ethical decisions. As such, this course may be useful for Neuroethicists seeking to understand the relationship between neuroscience and morality.
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroethicist
Neurologist
Neurologists treat diseases of the nervous system. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Neurology, this course may be useful for Neurologists seeking to better understand the neural basis of these functions in healthy patients, as well as those with neurological disorders..
See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists seek to understand the nervous system. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Neuroscience, this course could be useful for Neuroscientists seeking to understand the neural basis of these functions. The course may also help when considering how the development of these functions relates to the evolution of human morality..
See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist
Philosopher
Philosophers study the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that allow humans to understand the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. It does so by exploring how humans make decisions, form moral judgments, and determine right from wrong. While completing a PhD is typically required, this course may be useful for Philosophers by helping them to understand the relationship between the mind and the body, and how this relationship affects our understanding of the world around us.
See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher
Computational Neuroscientist
Computational Neuroscientists are responsible for using computational tools to study the nervous system. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Computational Neuroscience. By specifically examining how humans imagine, make decisions, and form moral judgments, this course may be useful to Computational Neuroscientists working with artificial intelligence or other advanced computational systems..
See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Neuroscientist
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illness. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Psychiatry, such as decision-making and moral judgment. As such, this course could be useful for Psychiatrists seeking to understand the neural basis of these functions in healthy patients, as well as those with mental illness..
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Psychology, this course may be useful for Psychologists seeking to better understand the neural basis of these functions. The course may also help when considering how the development of these functions relates to the evolution of human behavior..
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Robotics Engineering, such as decision-making and moral judgment, this course may be useful for Robotics Engineers seeking to better understand the neural basis of these functions in robots. The course may also help when considering how these functions may be implemented in robots..
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Social Psychologist
Social Psychologists study the social behavior of individuals and groups. As the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Social Psychology, such as decision-making and moral judgment, this course may be useful for Social Psychologists seeking to better understand the neural basis of these functions in individuals and groups. The course may also help when considering how the development of these functions relates to the evolution of human social behavior..
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Psychologist
Theologian
Theologians study the nature of God and religious beliefs. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality explores the neural basis of the cognitive functions that are central to Theology, such as decision-making and moral judgment. As such, this course may be useful for Theologians seeking to understand the neural basis of these functions in religious believers..
See salaries and explore the career path for Theologian
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructors teach yoga, a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, breathing exercises, and meditation. While the Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality does not directly explore the neural basis of yoga, it does explore the neural basis of decision-making and moral judgment, which may be of interest to Yoga Instructors seeking to understand how these functions relate to the practice of yoga. Additionally, the course explores the neural basis of imagination, which may be of interest to Yoga Instructors seeking to understand how imagination can be used to enhance the practice of yoga.
See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Instructor
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental nature of the universe. The Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality does not explore the fundamental nature of the universe, so it is not directly relevant to the work of a Physicist. However, the course does explore the neural basis of imagination and decision-making, which may be of interest to Physicists seeking to understand the relationship between the mind and the body, and how this relationship affects our understanding of the universe..
See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality.
Cover image
The 272
Save
This online database provides access to a wide range of academic journals and books on philosophical topics, including imagination, free will, and morality.
The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to...
Hardcover
$$
The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Wealth Supremacy
Save
This online database provides access to a wide range of academic articles on philosophical topics, including imagination, free will, and morality.
Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and...
Paperback
$$
Wealth Supremacy: How the Extractive Economy and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Big Intel
Save
This online encyclopedia provides comprehensive and up-to-date articles on a wide range of philosophical topics, including imagination, free will, and morality.
Big Intel: How the CIA and FBI Went from Cold War...
Hardcover
$$
Big Intel: How the CIA and FBI Went from Cold War...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Neuroscience of Creativity
Save
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the latest research on imagination and cognition, covering topics such as imagery, creativity, and problem-solving.
The Neuroscience of Creativity (Cambridge...
Paperback
$$
The Neuroscience of Creativity (Cambridge...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Analogical Reader
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on moral psychology, covering topics such as moral development, moral judgment, and moral behavior.
The Analogical Reader
Paperback
Check
The Analogical Reader
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Complex Tapestry of Free Will
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical debate on free will, examining different arguments and perspectives.
The Complex Tapestry of Free Will: A Philosophical...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Ethical and Legal Issues in Neurology
Save
Examines the ethical challenges facing neuroscience research and applications, including issues of privacy, informed consent, and the potential misuse of neurotechnologies.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Neurology: Chapter 28....
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Moral AI
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of moral psychology, exploring the psychological processes involved in moral judgment and decision-making.
Moral AI: And How We Get There (Pelican Books)
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Is There a God?
Save
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the philosophy of religion, covering topics such as the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the relationship between science and religion.
Is There a God? (Little Debates about Big Questions)
Paperback
$$
Is There a God?: A Debate (Little Debates about Big...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Heavens on Earth
Save
Explores the scientific basis of morality, examining the role of evolution, genetics, and culture in shaping our moral beliefs.
Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
5 hours to complete
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. Free Will and Neuroscience
  3. Neural Basis of Imagination, Free Will, and Morality (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Engages learners with topics of imagination, free will, and morality
Provides a comprehensive study of the neural basis of these concepts
Teaches the relationship between imagination and free will
Covers the origins of morality, evil, and human goodness
Facilitates a comparison between science and religion
Taught by Peter Tse, who is an experienced instructor in the field of neuroethics
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