Libet's Research on the Timing of Conscious Intention to Act: A Commentary

Author: Klein S.

Source: Consciousness and Cognition, Volume 11, Number 2, June 2002 , pp. 273-279(7)

Publisher: Academic Press

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Abstract:

S. Pockett (Consciousness and Cognition, this issue) and G. Gomes (Consciousness and Cognition, this issue) discuss a possible bias in the method by which Libet's subjects estimated the time at which they became aware of their intent to move their hands. The bias, caused by sensory delay processing the clock information, would be sufficient to alter Trevena and Miller's (Consciousness and Cognition, this issue) conclusions regarding the timing of the lateralized readiness potential. I show that the flash-lag effect would compensate for that bias. In the last part of my commentary I note that the other target articles do not examine the most interesting aspect of Libet's unfashionable views on free will. I point out that Libet's views are less strange than they at first appear to be. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Language: English

Document Type: Editorial

Affiliations: School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California:

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