Episode 22: The Libet Experiment with Tim Bayne Artwork

The Free Will Show

Do any of us really have free will? What does it mean to have free will, anyway? Is free will compatible with determinism? Hasn’t science disproved free will? How could we have free will if God exists and foreknows everything that we will ever do? The Free Will Show provides a beginner-friendly introduction to the topic of free will while at the same time exposing listeners to cutting-edge developments on the topic. Hosted by a couple of philosophers, Taylor Cyr and Matt Flummer, The Free Will Show features interviews with guests on a diverse array of issues relating to free will, including issues in science and theology. thefreewillshow.com

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The Free Will Show

Episode 22: The Libet Experiment with Tim Bayne

August 23, 2021 • Taylor Cyr and Matt Flummer • Season 3 • Episode 2

In this episode, Tim Bayne explains a famous experiment by brain scientist Benjamin Libet— an experiment that Libet took to show that we have no free will. We discuss several critical responses to Libet, and Tim argues that, even if unsuccessful in his original aims, Libet has raised good questions for philosophers, physiologists, and neuroscientists to explore.

Tim's website: https://www.mmcr.edu.au/our_people/tim-bayne/

Libet's 1985 Behavioral and Brain Sciences paper, including peer commentary: http://philosophy.org.za/uploads_other/Libet1985.pdf

Recent paper on readiness potential by Aaron Schurger et al.: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364661321000930

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