DartmouthX: Libertarian Free Will: Neuroscientific and Philosophical Evidence

DartmouthX: Libertarian Free Will: Neuroscientific and Philosophical Evidence

by Dartmouth College

Course Description

This course explores the concept of free will from philosophical and neuroscientific perspectives. We will scrutinize and challenge the arguments against free will and delve into how philosophical discussion, physics, and neuroscience contribute to understanding this complex topic. Key concepts covered include the amplification of quantum indeterminism, the functioning of neural spike timing, and the evolutionary adaptations that possibly facilitate aspects of Libertarian Free Will in human and animal brains.

What Students Will Learn

  • Understanding and critiquing philosophical arguments and neuroscientific evidence regarding free will.
  • Applying knowledge to challenge deterministic views in discussions and intellectual debates.
  • Exploring the connections between behavior, neurobiology, attention, and consciousness, and their collective role in defining free will.

Prerequisites or Skills Necessary

No prior knowledge is required to take this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in the topic of free will, philosophy, or neuroscience.

Course Coverage

  • Deconstruction of anti-free will arguments
  • Exploration of the intersections between philosophy, physics, and neuroscience
  • Understanding quantum indeterminism and neural spike timing
  • Analysis of evolutionary biology's role in the development of free will

Who This Course is For

This course is ideally suited for students, philosophers, aspiring neuroscientists, or any curious individuals who are interested in understanding the complexities of free will, its philosophical foundations, and neuroscientific connections.

Real-World Application

The insights from this course can empower learners to effectively participate in debates and discussions about free will, influence philosophical thought, and integrate interdisciplinary knowledge in practical, thought-provoking ways. Understanding these concepts can also enhance critical thinking skills applicable in various academic and professional settings.

Course Syllabus

While the detailed syllabus is not provided in the excerpt, the course likely covers the topics detailed in the sections above, structured over a series of modules or lectures that progressively delve deeper into each subject area.

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