In the Offing? Neuroscience and the Solution of the Free Will Problem

Abstract

In this article, I will examine two issues, one general one and one more concrete, related to the free will problem. As to the first problem, I will discuss the idea that the solution of the free will problem can come from empirical research. My answer will be that progress can be done in this field only by putting together conceptual analysis and empirical research. As to the second problem, I will analyze a recent and ambitious proposal (developed by Haines et al.), which suggests that free will is just an illusion, based on a neurophysiological experiment. My conclusion will be that that proposal, if interesting in some respects, is not really relevant for the free will issue.