Single Idea 6661

[catalogued under 20. Action / B. Preliminaries of Action / 2. Willed Action / a. Will to Act]

Full Idea

Libet's experiments (on conscious and non-conscious choice) seem to provide empirical support for the concept of 'volition', conceived as a special kind of 'executive' mental operation.

Gist of Idea

Libet gives empirical support for the will, as a kind of 'executive' mental operation

Source

E.J. Lowe (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2000], Ch. 9)

Book Reference

Lowe,E.J.: 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [CUP 2000], p.254


A Reaction

Despite the strictures of Hobbes (Idea 2362) and Williams (Idea 2171), the will strikes me as a genuine item, clearly observable by introspection, and offering the best explanation of human behaviour. I take it to be part of the brain's frontal lobes.

Related Ideas

Idea 2362 The will is just the last appetite before action [Hobbes]

Idea 2171 The 'will' doesn't exist; there is just conclusion, then action [Homer, by Williams,B]