Is Freedom of Will an Invention of the Evolution?

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Abstract

As is well known, L. S. Vygotsky considered the will as one of the higher mental functions, and drawing lots treated as an elementary volitional act. This article explores the possibility of applying the theory of Vygotsky in order to resolve the known riddle about the notion that free will contradicts with the natural scientific worldview. We believe that the cause of the problems that arise when considering this question lies in the misunderstanding of the functions of the mechanism of free will. Within the framework of specific resolving the paradox the theory of drawing lots was subjected to the analysis in the article. In order to give this theory a completed form a hypothesis about «the practice of individual decision» is put forward — institution established during the evolution of cultural practices. Based on the developed approach the argument «from epiphenomenalism», put forward by John Searle against the coexistence of causality on the neurobiological level and free will is challenged.

General Information

Keywords: free will, individual decision, compatibilism, drawing lot, personal history, evolution.

Journal rubric: Discussions and Discourses

Article type: scientific article

For citation: Markevich V.V. Is Freedom of Will an Invention of the Evolution?. Kul'turno-istoricheskaya psikhologiya = Cultural-Historical Psychology, 2011. Vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 42–48. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

References

  1. Vygotskii L. S. Sobranie sochinenii: V 6 t. T. 3. M., 1983.
  2. Markevich V. V. Psihologiya lichnoi istorii. Riga. 2009.
  3. Serl' Dzh. Racional'nost' v deistvii. M., 2004.

Information About the Authors

Vladimir V. Markevich, Teacher of Physics, Secondary School № 40, Riga, Riga, Latvia, e-mail: v.markevich@inbox.lv

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