Some people think that free will is an illusion, that our conscious decisions are more like reports on what is already happening than the causes of our action. Libet didn’t go that far. He thought that we might not have free will, but there’s still time for what some have called “free won’t”– a conscious veto of an action that has started in the brain.
The Concepts
-
Are we really free to choose?
Read now to access more details of Are we really free to choose?All day long we have to make choices. Professor Russell Stannard asks if we’re really free to choose.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Democracy and sustainability: Can we survive in freedom?
Read now to access more details of Democracy and sustainability: Can we survive in freedom?‘Can we survive in freedom?’ The relationship between democracy and sustainability was framed in these terms by a prominent political scientist more than fifteen years ago.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Plato, opinions and the statues of Daedalus
Read now to access more details of Plato, opinions and the statues of DaedalusHave you wondered what a Platonic dialogue is and what it is used for? Carolyn Price introduces Plato, the philosopher who took dialogues to another level.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Descartes: Introducing Dualism
Read now to access more details of Descartes: Introducing DualismDerek Matravers introduces Descartes and Dualism.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
The Life of Socrates
Read now to access more details of The Life of SocratesWho was Socrates? Find out what we know about his life.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Choose your own philosophy adventure
Take part now to access more details of Choose your own philosophy adventure'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure interactive that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
Level: 1 Introductory
General philosophising
-
Choose your own philosophy adventure
Take part now to access more details of Choose your own philosophy adventure'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure interactive that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
Level: 1 Introductory
-
Descartes: Introducing Dualism
Read now to access more details of Descartes: Introducing DualismDerek Matravers introduces Descartes and Dualism.
Level: 1 Introductory
-
The Life of Socrates
Read now to access more details of The Life of SocratesWho was Socrates? Find out what we know about his life.
Level: 1 Introductory
Rate and Review
Rate this video
Review this video
Log into OpenLearn to leave reviews and join in the conversation.