What The Libet Experiment Tells Us About Free Will

The video explores Libet's experiment on free will, where participants' brain activity was monitored to determine if the brain initiates movement before conscious awareness. The findings showed brain activity 500 milliseconds before the conscious decision, sparking debates on free will and personal responsibility. Libet suggested that while the brain may prepare for action, the conscious mind can veto it. The experiment's implications continue to be discussed by scientists and philosophers.

What was the primary aim of Libet's experiment?

• To study the impact of external stimuli on decision making

• To determine if the mind prepares for movement before conscious awareness

• To measure the speed of wrist flexing

• To analyze the effects of electrodes on brain activity

What does the readiness potential graph indicate?

• The exact moment a person decides to move

• The brain's activity before conscious decision

• The duration of conscious awareness

• The speed of wrist movement

How much earlier did the brain begin to act compared to the participants' reported awareness?

• 150 milliseconds

• 350 milliseconds

• 500 milliseconds

• 1000 milliseconds

What was Libet's interpretation of his experiment's findings?

• Decisions are entirely predetermined by the brain

• The conscious mind can veto actions at the last moment

• Free will does not exist

• The brain and conscious mind act simultaneously

What question arises from Libet's findings regarding free will?

• How does brain activity affect physical health?

• How do external factors influence decision making?

• To what extent are we truly in control of our actions?

• What is the role of the subconscious mind?