Friday, May 25, 2012

[PHI 1000] Mirror Neurons & Free Will

Suppose it turns out to be true that mirror neurons are the neurological basis of the human ability to imitate. 


Watch Mirror Neurons on PBS. See more from NOVA scienceNOW. 

Now, consider the following argument: 
  1. If imitation has a neurological basis, then it is causally determined by neurological factors.
  2. If imitation is causally determined by neurological factors, then much of human culture is causally determined by neurological factors, since much of human culture is based on imitation.
  3. Therefore, if imitation has a neurological basis, then much of human culture is causally determined by neurological factors. 
What do you make of this argument? Is it sound? If so, what are its implications regarding free will?
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