The libertarian imperative

Author: Uus U.

Source: Journal of Consciousness Studies, Volume 6, Number 10, 1999 , pp. 48-64(17)

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Abstract:

The prevailing trend of deeming subjective experiences causally idle obfuscates consciousness research as epiphenomenal entities cannot be studied. The most flexible way for conscious experiences to be efficacious is for them to serve as a basis for free action. Regrettably, no objective evidence testifies for this possibility. In this paper I explain that if we seek the truth we must, for purely logical reasons, irrespective of theoretical ideas and empirical data about the origin of our activity, follow the Libertarian Imperative -- the demand to try always to act in accord with the belief that one exercises the incompatibilist free volition. The Libertarian Imperative urges us to try to reject any conception about our nature -- including the modern scientific picture of human beings -- which claims that we are entirely law-governed creatures.

Keywords: Free will; libertarianism

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: Tartu Observatory, 61602, Estonia. Email: uus@obs.ee

Publication date: 1999-01-01