Question 1

Although the exact neural basis of self-control is not fully known, Churchland claims that relevant experimental details suggest the involvement of

Accepted Answer

Churchland's claim that the neural basis of self-control involves fear responses by neurons in the amygdala, neurons sensitive to reward and punishment, and "decision" neurons in the parietal regions of the cortex suggests a multifaceted approach to understanding self-control, implicating all the options listed.

Question 2

According to Churchland, we must hold people responsible for their actions because

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The answer of According to Churchland, we must hold people...

Question 3

According to Churchland, the self is

Accepted Answer

Churchland argues that the self is a construction of the brain and a high-level tool to make sense of the world, encompassing both A and B.

Question 4

As neuroscience uncovers the mechanisms regulating human choices and social behavior, Churchland admits that it is natural to question whether anyone really chooses anything. What is the correct answer to this question in your view? Explain and defend your answer

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The answer of As neuroscience uncovers the mechanisms regulating human...

Question 5

How would Churchland's neurobiological approach to free will evaluate the cases of Andrea Yates and the middle-aged Virginian described at the beginning of the reading? Would Churchland think either of these individuals acted freely? Why or why not?

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The answer of How would Churchland's neurobiological approach to free...

Question 6

Churchland insists that her neurobiological approach to human behavior is no threat to our self-esteem or sense of self-worth. Do you agree? Why or why not?

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The answer of Churchland insists that her neurobiological approach to...

Question 7

Why does Hume think that, properly understood, the doctrines of necessity and liberty are compatible? Do you agree?

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The answer of Why does Hume think that, properly understood,...

Question 8

How does Hume define "cause"? Explain how he arrives at this definition.

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The answer of How does Hume define "cause"? Explain how...

Question 9

What is the proper understanding of the doctrine of necessity, according to Hume?

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The answer of What is the proper understanding of the...

Question 10

Hume claims that everyone acts as if the doctrine of necessity is false, even though in words they acknowledge it as true.

Accepted Answer

Hume argues that people may verbally deny the doctrine of necessity (the idea that every event is necessitated by antecedent events and conditions together with the laws of nature), but in their actions and practical reasoning, they invariably assume it to be true, demonstrating a belief in cause and effect.

Question 11

Hume thinks we can directly experience an object's power to cause events.

Accepted Answer

Hume argues that we cannot directly experience an object's causal power; instead, we infer causality from the constant conjunction of events, meaning we observe that certain events regularly follow others and come to expect those outcomes, but we do not directly perceive an object's power to cause another event.

Question 12

Hume defines "cause" in terms of the constant conjunction of events in experience.

Accepted Answer

David Hume argued that our concept of cause is derived from our observation of the constant conjunction of events, where we come to expect one event (the effect) following another event (the cause) based on repeated experience.

Question 13

Hume thinks that the dispute regarding free will shows that we are profoundly knowledgeable about the relation of cause and effect.

Accepted Answer

Hume believes that the dispute over free will actually highlights our ignorance about the nature of the relation between cause and effect, rather than demonstrating profound knowledge.

Question 14

Hume thinks that the doctrine of liberty is compatible with the doctrine of necessity.

Accepted Answer

Hume argues that the doctrine of liberty (free will) is compatible with the doctrine of necessity (determinism) by redefining liberty as the ability to act according to one's desires without external constraint, which does not conflict with the idea that these desires and actions are causally determined.

Question 15

Hume defines a cause as an object that is

Accepted Answer

Hume's definition of cause includes both elements: it is an object followed by another, where similar objects are followed by similar outcomes (A), and the appearance of the cause brings to mind its effect (B), integrating both a pattern of succession and a psychological connection.

Question 16

According to Hume, our idea of power or necessary connection is derived from

Accepted Answer

Hume argued that our idea of necessary connection (or causation) is not derived from any inherent understanding of the power of objects themselves, but rather from our observation of constantly conjoined events (B) and the habit of the mind to expect certain outcomes based on past experiences (C). This leads to the conclusion that both B and C are correct, making D the correct choice.

Question 17

According to Hume, the dispute concerning liberty and necessity is

Accepted Answer

Hume argued that the dispute over liberty and necessity is largely a matter of semantics and not a substantive disagreement, making it both merely verbal and not a real dispute at all.

Question 18

With respect to causes, Hume believes that

Accepted Answer

The answer of With respect to causes, Hume believes that
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Question 19

When applied to voluntary actions, Hume understands liberty to mean

Accepted Answer

Hume understands liberty in the context of voluntary actions as the power to act according to the determinations of the will, meaning that actions are free when they follow from one's own choices or internal motivations, rather than being free from causality or based on randomness.

Question 20

According to Hume, chance

Accepted Answer

Hume argued that what we often refer to as "chance" is actually a result of our ignorance about the true causes of events. He believed that everything in nature follows laws of causation, even if we are not always able to discern them. Therefore, according to Hume, chance does not truly exist in nature; it is merely a concept we use when we lack knowledge about specific causal relationships.

Quiz 5: Free Will