Description
With examples drawn from everyday life, criminal behavior, neurological disorders, literature, and philosophical positions, Sternberg (Tufts U. School of Medicine), who majored in neuroscience and philosophy, makes a cogent case that advances in understanding brain functioning do not ipso facto support neurobiological determinism regarding free will and moral responsibility. He argues that research focuses on simple choices, but humans reflect and act on complex 'boundless' (i.e., not rule- bound) dilemmas. The book includes annotated further readings. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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As scientists continue to explore how the brain works, using ever more sophisticated technology, it seems likely that new findings will radically alter the traditional understanding of human nature. One aspect of human nature that is already being questioned by recent developments in neuroscience is free will. Do our decisions arise from purely mechanistic processes? Is our feeling of self-control merely an illusion created by our brains? If so, what will become of free will and moral responsibility? These thorny questions and many more are examined with great clarity and insight in this engaging exploration of neuroscience’s potential impact on moral responsibility. The author delves into a host of fascinating topics, including:-the parts of the brain that scientists believe are involved in the exercise of will-what Parkinson’s, Tourette’s, and schizophrenia reveal about our ability to control our actions-whether criminal behavior is determined by brain chemistry-how self-reflective consciousness may have evolved from a largely deterministic brainUsing illustrative examples from philosophy, mythology, history, and criminology, and with thorough discussions of actual scientific experiments, the author explores the threat of neuroscience to moral responsibility as he attempts to answer the question: Are we truly in control of our actions?
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