The free will problem: Implications from experimental philosophy, psychology and neuroscience

Abstract

Throughout history, the phenomenon of free will has mainly been considered from a philosophical perspective, and in the last few decades, it has been investigated in scientific disciplines such as psychology and neuroscience as well. Additionally, some authors suggest that insight into folk intuitions on the problem of free will and determinism would contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon itself. Lay theories about the free will problem have been empirically examined in experimental philosophy and psychology. The results show that the belief that free will exists is associated with desirable psychological outcomes and that the absence of belief in free will has negative social consequences. Furthermore, the question arises as to how the findings in neuroscience research are presented to society and thus affect free will beliefs. The problem of free will is discussed within experimental philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience.