Neurophilosophy of Free Will: From Libertarian Illusions to a Concept of Natural Autonomy [Hardcover]

Henrik Walter (Author), Cynthia Klohr (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0262232146 | ISBN-13: 978-0262232142 | Publication Date: April 16, 2001 | Edition: First English-Language Edition

Neuroscientists routinely investigate such classical philosophical topics as consciousness, thought, language, meaning, aesthetics, and death. According to Henrik Walter, philosophers should in turn embrace the wealth of research findings and ideas provided by neuroscience. In this book Walter applies the methodology of neurophilosophy to one of philosophy's central challenges, the notion of free will. Neurophilosophical conclusions are based on, and consistent with, scientific knowledge about the brain and its functioning.Walter's answer to whether there is free will is, It depends. The basic questions concerning free will are (1) whether we are able to choose other than we actually do, (2) whether our choices are made intelligibly, and (3) whether we are really the originators of our choices. According to Walter, freedom of will is an illusion if we mean by it that under identical conditions we would be able to do or decide otherwise, while simultaneously acting only for reasons and being the true originators of our actions. In place of this scientifically untenable strong version of free will, Walter offers what he calls natural autonomy--self-determination unaided by supernatural powers that could exist even in an entirely determined universe. Although natural autonomy can support neither our traditional concept of guilt nor certain cherished illusions about ourselves, it does not imply the abandonment of all concepts of responsibility. For we are not mere marionettes, with no influence over our thoughts or actions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book serves as an excellent source book of neurobiological and naturalistic foundations for philosophical arguments for a differentiated and modified thesis of what was called 'free will.' "--Hans Lenk, Insitute for Philosophy, University of Karlsruhe, Vice President of the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP)

"Walter uses contemporary findings in neurobiology and new understandings in the foundations of nature to explore 'free will.' The result is a fresh thesis well worth considering." Kevin T. French Academia

About the Author

Walter applies the methodology of neurophilosophy to one of philosophy's central challenges, the notion of free will. Neurophilosophical conclusions are based on, and consistent with, scientific knowledge about the brain and its functioning.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 420 pages
• Publisher: A Bradford Book; First English-Language Edition edition (April 16, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262232146
• ISBN-13: 978-0262232142
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,171,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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