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 findings? This inquiry delves into how complexity in hierarchical systems like the brain can lead to genuine free will. Understanding free will through the lens of contemporary neuroscience is increasingly vital due to significant discoveries and its implications for our self-perception as humans. A crucial concept in this exploration is downward causation in complex systems, which operates alongside bottom-up causation to create an integrated whole. Often overlooked, top-down causation is emphasized in the discussion. The book also examines the ethical and legal ramifications of our understanding of free will. It stems from a 2007 workshop in California chaired by Dr. Christof Koch, featuring a diverse group of participants, including physicists, neuroscientists, psychiatrists, philosophers, and theologians. This diversity allowed for a broader perspective on the subject, enriching the resulting discussions. Contributions come from notable figures such as Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, George F. R. Ellis, and Christof Koch, among others, providing a comprehensive examination of the topic.