A discussion on the existence of free will goes back at
least to the Middle Ages. The problem is related to reductionism, i.e. the
claim that subjectivity could be considered an epiphenomenon of the cerebral
processes, the argument being that all our sensorial perceptions, the control
of movement, our states of wakefulness or of unconsciousness can be related to
the activation or to the block of specific areas of our cerebral cortex. In the
frame of this conception free will is denied essentially on the basis of
physical determinism. In contrast to such attitude, we argue that experiences
like consciousness of ourselves, of a personal identity or even simply of
qualia completely escape from Physical-nature principles. The physics and
introspection point of view tend to be both important but complementary and
irreducible to each other; any attempt to do so results in unresolvable
aporias. We remember, specifically on free will, that our nervous system is a
complex mesoscopic system. Relation to Quantum Theory is important for an
understanding of its occurrences. Physics gives no justification for one
response instead of another, although our response is deliberate. The
conceptual space for reconciling physics with introspection seems to be created
by Quantum Mechanics. It also recalls some fundamental principles on the
structure and functioning of neurons and central nervous systems, addresses
Liebet's experiments on delayed consciousness and the role of free will in the
process of information. Physical existence definitions. Physics and
introspection seem both necessary yet complementary and irreducible from one
point of view to the other; any effort to do so results in unresolvable
aporias. In particular, we note on free will that our nervous system is a complex
mesoscopic system. Reference to Quantum Theory is important for an
understanding of its occurrences. Physics offers no explanation for one answer
instead of another, although our reaction is deliberate. Quantum Mechanics
appears to provide the conceptual space for physics to be reconciled with
introspection. It also recalls some basic principles on the structure and
functioning of neurons and central nervous systems, addresses Liebet's
experiments on delayed consciousness and the role of free will in the process
of information.
Author (s) Details
Mauro Ceroni
Brain and Behavioral Sciences Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Giovanni Maria Prosperi
Physics Department, University of Milano, INFN Sezione di Milano, Milano,
Italy.
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