Question

When I seem to decide to move my arm, is it my "mental decision" causing this, or is the "mental decision" simply an after effect, a signature of sort in consciousness that occurs after physical reactions within my brain?

Is this an empirical question? What does science have to say about this based on our research?

Answer 1

The question of whether mental decisions cause arm movement or if they are aftereffects is a topic of debate in neuroscience. Some evidence suggests an interaction between the mind and body, but research indicates that memories, emotions, and plans are located in the brain's electrical and chemical entities. The issue of mind-body interaction is complex and requires further investigation in neuroscience.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question of whether our 'mental decision' causes our arm to move or if it is simply an aftereffect is still a topic of debate in neuroscience. Benjamin Libet's experiments suggest that many actions we perceive as free are actually caused and determined by the brain, indicating that the 'mental decision' may be an aftereffect of the brain's physical reactions.

While some evidence suggests an interaction between the mind and the body, neuroscience research is indicating that memories, emotions, and plans are located in the electrical and chemical entities in the brain, rather than a separate non-physical mind.

Overall, the question of whether the mind or the brain initiates action is still a complex and ongoing area of investigation in neuroscience.