The Actor's Brain
Exploring the Cognitive Neuroscience of Free Will

Is free will just an illusion? What is it in the brain that allows us to pursue our own actions and objectives? What is it about this organ that permits seemingly purposeful behaviour, giving us the impression we are free? This book takes a journey into the brain to examine what is about known voluntary behaviour, and why it can go wrong.

The book concludes by examining some of the many varied attempts that human actors have made to expand such a volitional space, to enhance their own self-control and creativity. Written in an engaging and accessible style, but with its roots in hard science, the book will make fascinating reading for psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and philosophers, and anyone who has ever wondered whether we are really free.

Prologue - Against freedom
1. Moving a finger
2. Assembling a 'will'
3. The timing of intentions
4. Volitional architectures
5. Losing control
6. Failing to act
7. Hysterical agents
8. Deceivers all
9. Harming others
10. Human response space
Epilogue - Raising a fist