http://cave.mq.edu.au/events/seminars_and_public_lectures/
Time: 17:30 - 19:00 Venue: E7B 100 Theatrette
Macquarie University
Abstract: Responsibility is central our conceptions of ourselves as persons. People "take responsibility" for their actions. But what does this mean? Recent neuroscience and psychology are calling into question whether free will exists and whether people are "in control" of their actions. How should we decide whether criminals are responsible, in light of recent neuroscientific research? Should people suffering from lifestyle diseases, such as alcoholism, smoking and obesity, be held responsible for their ill health and given lower priority in health delivery?
I will explore these questions and whether responsibility could be enhanced by biomedical means. I will argue that we both can and should enhance responsibility.
