scholarly journals Belief in free will & self-serving bias

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Genschow ◽  
Jens Lange
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Past Research ◽  
The Self ◽  
Total N ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
Resource Hypothesis ◽  
External Forces ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Personal Success

Past research indicates that individuals’ belief in free will is related to attributing others’ behavior to internal causes. An open question is whether belief in free will is related to the attribution of one’s own action. To answer this question, we tested two opposing predictions against each other by assessing the relation of belief in free will with the self-serving bias—individuals’ tendency to attribute personal success more strongly to internal forces and failure to external forces. The resource hypothesis predicts that a higher endorsement in free will belief relates to a lower self-serving bias. The intention attribution hypothesis predicts that belief in free will relates to higher internal attributions, as compared to external attributions, irrespective of success and failure. Meta-analytic evidence across five high-powered studies (total N = 1,137) supports the intention attribution hypothesis, but not the resource hypothesis.

scholarly journals O słabym ja człowieka homeryckiego

Etyka ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 91-107
Author(s):  
Tomasz Komorowski
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Self ◽  
Personal Freedom ◽  
External Forces ◽  
Human Position

The Self of the Homeric man can be called a weak one. Men depicted in the Iliad and in the Odyssey are determined by fate, gods’ plans and interventions, and their own emotional impulses perceived as independent forces. Hermann Schmitz links this weakness of the Self with the character of the Homeric man’s experience of the body. According to Schmitz the perception of the body as directly experienced, i.e. as Leib, constitutes the Homeric idea of man. This article stresses the point that the Homeric man cannot be considered as being directed only by the external forces and that the notion of Leib, however helpful, does not suffice to describe him. Being directed and being leiblich the Homeric man is also independent (or free). He is able to master the impulses of his emotions (cf. H. Fränkel), his actions seem to originate from himself (cf. A. Lesky), he can be regarded as a unity coordinated by his Self (cf. A. Lesky). The independence of the Homeric man is unstable: it can be said that it appears and disappears. This status of the human position seems to pose problems for a reader who is accustomed to modern notions of personal freedom, free will or choice. May that be a chance for us in our attempts to understand ourselves?

scholarly journals Imitation and interindividual differences: Belief in free will is not related to automatic imitation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareike Westfal ◽  
Jan Crusius ◽  
Oliver Genschow
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Imitative Behavior ◽  
Automatic Imitation ◽  
Total N ◽  
Interindividual Differences ◽  
Imitation Inhibition ◽  
Interpersonal Factor

It is well known that individuals have the tendency to automatically imitate each other and that such imitative behavior is fostered by perceiving intentions in others’ actions. That is, past research has shown that perceiving an action as internally driven enhances the shared representation of observed and executed actions increasing automatic imitation. An interpersonal factor that increases the perception that a behavior is internally driven is belief in free will. Consequently, we hypothesized that the more individuals believe in free will, the more they automatically imitate others. To test this prediction, we conducted two high-powered (total N = 642) and preregistered studies in which we assessed automatic imitation with the imitation-inhibition task. Contrary to our predictions, belief in free will did not correlate with automatic imitation. This finding contributes to current findings challenging the assumption that automatic imitation is modulated by interindividual differences. Further theoretical implications are discussed.

The ”true me”—one or many?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Berent ◽  
Melanie Platt
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Optimality Theory ◽  
The Self ◽  
True Self ◽  
Behavioral Test ◽  
Brain Scan ◽  
Moral Behaviors ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Constraint Ranking

Recent results suggest that people hold a notion of the true self, distinct from the self. Here, we seek to further elucidate the “true me”—whether it is good or bad, material or immaterial. Critically, we ask whether the true self is unitary. To address these questions, we invited participants to reason about John—a character who simultaneously exhibits both positive and negative moral behaviors. John’s character was gauged via two tests--a brain scan and a behavioral test, whose results invariably diverged (i.e., one test indicated that John’s moral core is positive and another negative). Participants assessed John’s true self along two questions: (a) Did John commit his acts (positive and negative) freely? and (b) What is John’s essence really? Responses to the two questions diverged. When asked to evaluate John’s moral core explicitly (by reasoning about his free will), people invariably descried John’s true self as good. But when John’s moral core was assessed implicitly (by considering his essence), people sided with the outcomes of the brain test. These results demonstrate that people hold conflicting notions of the true self. We formally support this proposal by presenting a grammar of the true self, couched within Optimality Theory. We show that the constraint ranking necessary to capture explicit and implicit view of the true self are distinct. Our intuitive belief in a true unitary “me” is thus illusory.

Self-Formation, Development and Reproduction of the Artificial System

2004 ◽  
Vol 97-98 ◽  
pp. 77-84
Author(s):  
Juras Ulbikas ◽  
Liudas Leonas ◽  
Daiva Ulbikienė ◽  
Stepas Janušonis
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Artificial System ◽  
Technological Processes ◽  
Microelectronic Devices ◽  
Biological World ◽  
Microelectronics Technology ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Self Formation ◽  
Irreversible Evolution ◽  
Complexity Increase

Self-formation as a concept for irreversible evolution of the artificial object with complexity increase was introduced for understanding of the processes existing in microelectronics technology [1]. The concept of self-formation by itself was to some extend influenced by principles existing in biological world therefore from the very beginning there was an open question about limits of self-formation application: are we limited to the understanding of some technological processes or we can think about predicting new technological applications by applying selfformation concept. Recently developed tools for simulation of technological processes for Solar Cells manufacturing [2] clearly indicates that self-formation is becoming interesting tool for technologists trying to create and optimize microelectronic devices. The next step exploring selfformation application boundaries can be analysis of possibilities of the self-formation to demonstrate usual in biological life development and reproduction of the object. This presentation will be dedicated to the analysis of the conditions and possibilities by applying self-formation present self-formation, development and reproduction of artificial object.

scholarly journals DETERMINATION OF DEFORMABILITY PARAMETERS OF CONCRETE SAMPLES BY THE FORMULAS OF FRACTURE MECHANICS

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-98
Author(s):  
B. A Bondarev ◽  
N. N Chernousov ◽  
V. A Sturova
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Mechanics ◽  
Lower Surface ◽  
Local Deformation ◽  
Concrete Sample ◽  
Test Scheme ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Bending Load ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
The Moment ◽  
External Forces

To determine the deformability parameters of concrete samples by the formulas of fracture mechanics, equilibrium tests were carried out at the stage of local deformation of the sample, which showed the correspondence of the change in external forces to the internal forces of the material resistance with the corresponding static development of the main crack. For the same purpose, the samples are tested for bending with an initial notch and the “load-deflection” diagram is recorded. In this work, we presented a test scheme for a specimen with a notch (crack) and constructed a diagram of the deformation of a specimen under bending “load-deflection”. Based on it, it is possible to predict the destruction of the material, that is, to determine the value of the load at which the limit value of deflection or the displacement of the outer edges of the notch (opening the throat of the crack on the lower surface of the specimen) can be taken as the moment of loss of the resource of the material. Also, we examined the deformation of a concrete sample during three-point bending and presented a diagram of the deformation of a concrete sample within the plastic zone. Dependencies were derived for determining the ultimate relative strains under tension and bending. Based on the results obtained, the state diagrams of the stretched concrete and the deformation scheme of the normal section of the concrete sample were constructed. As a result, the conclusion and convergence of the results.

scholarly journals Self-realisation, self-actualisation and self-efficacy concepts theoretical analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-15
Author(s):  
Tatyana Petrovna Opekina ◽  
Natalya Sergeevna Shipova
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Analysis ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Theoretical Study ◽  
The Self ◽  
Social Orientation ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
The Individual ◽  
External Forces

This article presents the results of a theoretical study of self-realisation, self-actualisation and self-efficacy phenomena. The main aspects of understanding and correlating these phenomena in classical and modern Russian and foreign psychology are described. The highlighted concepts related to the phenomenon of self-realisation, both in the field of psychology and pedagogy. The similarities and differences of the self-realisation, self-actualisation, self-efficacy phenomena, as well as their correlation and comparison are presented. A comparative analysis of the studied concepts is given. According to the results of the theoretical analysis, the processes of self-realisation and self-actualisation are based on the inner motivation of a person to grow, develop personality, realise its potential. Both of these processes, due to their subjectivity, are difficult to observe and measure from the outside. We have highlighted the main differences, consisting in a greater awareness and orderliness of the process of self-realisation, as well as its predominantly "social" orientation, while self-actualisation is often associated with the struggle with external forces, the desire for self-realisation is rather approved and supported by the society. The concepts of self-realisation and self-efficacy are united by their inherent representation in the external plane of the life of the individual, as well as awareness, activity, goal-setting, and an orientation towards achieving success. In contrast to self-efficacy, self-release is a process rather than a sustainable phenomenon, and can be expressed both externally and internally through a connection with the value-semantic, motivational spheres of the individual.

Master Narratives, Expectations of Change, and Their Effect on Temporal Appraisals

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 717-746
Author(s):  
James G. Hillman ◽  
David J. Hauser
Keyword(s):  
The Self ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Master Narratives ◽  
Total N ◽  
Culture Differences ◽  
Over Time

People hold narrative expectations for how humans generally change over the course of their lives. In some areas, people expect growth (e.g., wisdom), while in others, people expect stability (e.g., extroversion). However, do people apply those same expectations to the self? In five studies (total N = 1,372), participants rated selves as improving modestly over time in domains where stability should be expected (e.g., extroversion, quick-wittedness). Reported improvement was significantly larger in domains where growth should be expected (e.g., wisdom, rationality) than domains where stability should be expected. Further, in domains where growth should be expected participants reported improvement for selves and others. However, in domains where stability should be expected, participants reported improvement for selves but not others. Hence, participants used narrative expectations to inform projections of change. We discuss implications for future temporal self-appraisal research, heterogeneity of effect sizes in self-appraisal research, and between-culture differences in narratives.

John Stuart Mill

2020 ◽  
pp. 105-129
Author(s):  
W. J. Mander
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Natural Law ◽  
John Stuart Mill ◽  
The Self ◽  
Other Minds ◽  
Radical Empiricism ◽  
Space And Time ◽  
Failed Attempt

This chapter begins with a discussion of Mill’s empiricism and his attitude towards the unknowable which considers in detail the nature of his disagreement with Hamilton and which discusses the various senses in which his position might be described as one of ‘radical empiricism’. Moving on to more specific points, the chapter then discusses Mill’s views regarding space and time, his phenomenalism, his failed attempt to explain our idea of the self, his centre-staging the puzzle of other minds, and his positions respecting causation, free will, and natural law. The chapter concludes with a discussion of his posthumously published views about religion.

scholarly journals Job Opening for Nucleosome Mechanic: Flexibility Required

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Pitman ◽  
Daniël P. Melters ◽  
Yamini Dalal
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Computational Modeling ◽  
Chromatin Fiber ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches ◽  
External Cues ◽  
Internal Forces ◽  
Innovative Work ◽  
External Forces ◽  
Chromatin Biology

The nucleus has been studied for well over 100 years, and chromatin has been the intense focus of experiments for decades. In this review, we focus on an understudied aspect of chromatin biology, namely the chromatin fiber polymer’s mechanical properties. In recent years, innovative work deploying interdisciplinary approaches including computational modeling, in vitro manipulations of purified and native chromatin have resulted in deep mechanistic insights into how the mechanics of chromatin might contribute to its function. The picture that emerges is one of a nucleus that is shaped as much by external forces pressing down upon it, as internal forces pushing outwards from the chromatin. These properties may have evolved to afford the cell a dynamic and reversible force-induced communication highway which allows rapid coordination between external cues and internal genomic function.

scholarly journals Professional Judges’ Disbelief in Free Will Does Not Decrease Punishment

2020 ◽  
pp. 194855062091505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Genschow ◽  
Heinz Hawickhorst ◽  
Davide Rigoni ◽  
Ellen Aschermann ◽  
Marcel Brass
Keyword(s):  
Free Will ◽  
Legal System ◽  
Past Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Media ◽  
Retributive Punishment

There is a debate in psychology and philosophy on the societal consequences of casting doubts about individuals’ belief in free will. Research suggests that experimentally reducing free will beliefs might affect how individuals evaluate others’ behavior. Past research has demonstrated that reduced free will beliefs decrease laypersons’ tendency toward retributive punishment. This finding has been used as an argument for the idea that promoting anti-free will viewpoints in the public media might have severe consequences for the legal system because it may move judges toward softer retributive punishments. However, actual implications for the legal system can only be drawn by investigating professional judges. In the present research, we investigated whether judges ( N = 87) are affected by reading anti-free will messages. The results demonstrate that although reading anti-free will texts reduces judges’ belief in free will, their recommended sentences are not influenced by their (manipulated) belief in free will.

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