Downward causation and the neurobiology of free will

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How is free will possible given the physical and chemical foundations of brain activity and recent neurobiological research? The emergence of complexity in hierarchical systems like the brain, rooted in lower-level physical interactions, raises questions about the existence of genuine free will. Understanding free will through the lens of contemporary neuroscience is increasingly vital due to significant discoveries by neuroscientists and its impact on our self-perception as human beings. A key concept in exploring free will is downward causation in complex systems, which operates alongside bottom-up causation to create a cohesive whole. This top-down causation, often overlooked, is emphasized in the discussion. The book delves into the ethical and legal ramifications of our understanding of free will. Originating from a diverse workshop in California in April 2007, chaired by Dr. Christof Koch, the work features contributions from a wide range of experts, including physicists, neuroscientists, psychiatrists, philosophers, and theologians. This diversity allows for a broader perspective on the topic than typically found in academic settings. Contributions come from notable figures such as Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, George F. R. Ellis, and Christof Koch, among others.