The free will capacity: A uniquely human adaption.

Abstract

Herein, I characterize free will (FW) is an evolved functional capacity within the mature human mind, which provides us with numerous adaptive benefits. The FW capacity was selected for because it enables us to respond effectively to momentary contingencies, via on-the-spot deliberation. But FW also extricates us from the present moment, enabling us to generate and decide between imagined long-term futures. Based upon a compatibilist philosophical definition of FW, I present a creative process model of how the FW capacity works, the goal breakthrough model. I show that the goal breakthrough model is consistent with extant neuroscientific research on the brain networks involved in creative cognition and choice. I also show that (a) exercising one's FW is a basic psychological need, as evidenced by the fact that thwarting peoples' autonomy can be harmful, and that (b) the FW process is influenced by peoples' broad goals and narrative identities, providing a way for we conscious people to causally affect our lives and the world. Finally, I show how this framework integrates recent arguments that FW may be a uniquely human adaptation, ranging from neuroscience and cognitive to personality, social, and cultural perspectives.

How people find better lifegoals: The goal breakthrough model and its neuroscientific underpinnings

“…"), but also to more mundane daily challenges ("I'll bake a cake!"). The GBM may even show a way for "free will" to operate, defined in compatibilist philosophy terms as the ability to draw multiple action possibilities into mind, select one, and enact it (List, 2019;Sheldon, 2022Sheldon, , 2024. At any level of abstraction, asking ourselves what we want to do, and then acting on our personal choices, is surely part of free will.…”

“…The proposed GBM capacity gives the conscious mind purchase, that is, "a hold or position on something for applying power advantageously." Arguably, this capacity also provides people with some degree of free will, defined in compatibilist philosophy as the complex ability to recruit behavioral alternatives to consider, pick one, and get going (Baumeister, 2014;Dennett, 2003;List, 2019;Sheldon, 2022Sheldon, , 2024.…”