Neural bases of freedom and responsibility

Front Neural Circuits. 2023 Jun 2:17:1191996. doi: 10.3389/fncir.2023.1191996. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

This review presents a broad perspective of the Neuroscience of our days with special attention to how the brain generates our behaviors, emotions, and mental states. It describes in detail how unconscious and conscious processing of sensorimotor and mental information takes place in our brains. Likewise, classic and recent experiments illustrating the neuroscientific foundations regarding the behavioral and cognitive abilities of animals and, in particular, of human beings are described. Special attention is applied to the description of the different neural regulatory systems dealing with behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functions. Finally, the brain process for decision-making, and its relationship with individual free will and responsibility, are also described.

Keywords: behavior; consciousness; free will; internal world; prefrontal cortex; unconscious processing.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain
  • Cognition*
  • Consciousness*
  • Emotions
  • Freedom
  • Humans

Grants and funding

This study was supported by a grant from the Spanish MCIN PID2021-122446NB-100 MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FED ER/EU (to AG and JD-G) and Spanish Junta de Andalucía grant BIO-122 (to JD-G).