Neuroscience Studies Claiming Free Will is an Illusion Are Flawed

For several decades, some researchers have argued that neuroscience studies prove human actions are driven by external stimuli — that the brain is reactive and free will is an illusion. But a new analysis of these studies shows that many contained methodological inconsistencies and conflicting results. 

NC State assistant professor of philosophy Veljko Dubljevic has co-authored a paper that says neuroscience hasn’t definitively proven anything one way or the other.

“Score one for skepticism of claims that neuroscience has proven – or disproven – any metaphysical position,” says Veljko Dubljevic, who specializes in research on the neuroscience of ethics and the ethics of neuroscience and technology.