Brain Science with Ginger Campbell, MD: Neuroscience for Everyone BS 213 Kevin Mitchell explores Free Will
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Oct 27, 2023 Neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell explores the concept of free will, arguing that it is part of our evolutionary heritage. He challenges determinism and discusses the two-stage model of free will. Mitchell also explores the behavior of bacteria and the concept of emergence. Overall, he argues that free will is not an illusion and is a result of evolution.
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The Importance of the Cell Membrane
- The cell membrane is a crucial evolutionary step for agency, creating a causally insulated entity.
- This separation allows organisms to develop meaning, value, and purpose driven by survival.
Agency in Simple Organisms
- Even single-celled organisms exhibit agency by integrating multiple signals and making choices based on context.
- Their actions are not merely reflexive but depend on their history and internal state, demonstrating a basic form of decision-making.
The Importance of "Why" Questions
- Scientists should consider "why" questions alongside "how" questions in biology.
- Understanding the evolutionary purpose behind biological mechanisms gives a more complete picture than just mechanistic explanations.