Libet's experiment provides no evidence against strong libertarian free will because readiness potentials do not cause our actions

摘要

This article argues against Benjamin Libet's claim that his experiment has shown that our actions are caused by brain events which begin before we decide and before we even think about the action. It clarifies what exactly should be meant by the RP causing, initiating, or preparing an action. It argues that Libet's claim is incompatible with strong libertarian free will. It shows why Libet's experiment does not support his claim and why the experiments by Herrmann et al. and by Trevena & Miller provide evidence against his claim. The empirical evidence is compatible with strong libertarian free will. Neither the readiness potential (RP, Bereitschaftspotential) nor the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) causes our actions.