The Timing Experiments of Libet and Grey Walter

Abstract

The neurological experiments conducted by Benjamin Libet (1985) and Grey
Walter (1993, in Dennett) provide evidence that our actions are caused by
non-conscious brain events beyond our conscious awareness. Normally, we
assume that our conscious choices lead us to do things. If these researchers
have interpreted their evidence correctly, it may be that we lack free-will, for
we could not control a non-conscious brain state. Libet however provides evidence
that agents can “change their minds” just before performing some action.
He felt that this was the elbow-room for free-will. But it may be inconsistent
for him to suggest this, since his evidence indicates that there is no
room for conscious choice. In this paper we discuss these results and various
objections to the interpretation of the work.

South African Journal of Philosophy Vol. 26 (3) 2007: pp. 271-288