Provider: Ingenta Connect Database: Ingenta Connect Content: application/x-research-info-systems TY - ABST AU - Meixner, Uwe TI - New Perspectives for a Dualistic Conception of Mental Causation JO - Journal of Consciousness Studies PY - 2008-01-01T00:00:00/// VL - 15 IS - 1 SP - 17 EP - 38 N2 - The paper provides new perspectives for a dualistic conception of mental causation by putting causation that originates in a nonphysical self into an evolutionary perspective. Nonphysical causation of this type - free agency -, together with nonphysical consciousness, is regarded as being not only compatible with physics, but also as having a natural place in nature. It is described how free agency can work, on the basis of the brain, and how it can be compatible with the result of the Libet-experiment. The necessary condition for the existence of free agency is that the physical macro-world is indeterministic to a degree that is relevant for living beings, that is, for their survival and well-being. From an evolutionary point of view, and on the basis of the facts of consciousness, it is more likely than not that this condition is in fact fulfilled. UR - https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/imp/jcs/2008/00000015/00000001/art00002 ER -