On the Question of Free Will in a Quantum Physics Inspired Model of Consciousness
Rajat Kumar Pradhan, Asima Tripathy
NeuroQuantology August 31, 2019 DOI: 10.14704/nq.2019.17.8.2735 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Libet-type readiness potentials do not disprove free will, since they reflect continuous subconscious processing rather than a decision already made. Proposes that free will instead concerns directing attention to subconscious processes, and that the autonomy of those processes points to an omniscient superconscious will governing individual will. |
Abstract
We analyze the results of Libet type experiments in light of a quantum physics inspired model of consciousness states and show that the claim about the absence of free will due to onset of readiness potentials prior to awareness of decision is not tenable. It simply points to the fact of the existence of unceasing subconscious processing beneath the conscious level out of which only those that receive the impetus to come up to conscious awareness by the focusing of attention, only are known. The free will problem then shifts to the free will to direct attention on certain subconscious processes. But the subconscious processes possess an autonomy of their own, which point to the operations of a superconscious all-pervading will that is omniscient and hence governs all individual will.