Summary

How did the human capacity for conscious choice emerge from the evolutionary development of nervous systems? In this compelling lecture, Dr. Kevin Mitchell of Trinity College Dublin will trace the evolutionary origins of the nervous system and explore how increasing neural complexity gave rise to higher-order cognition and the phenomenon of agency. Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience and evolutionary biology, Dr. Mitchell will reveal the molecular underpinnings of our cognitive capacities and behavioral flexibility, and from the synthesis of these date will present a novel perspective on what makes human decision-making unique.

The lecture will also connect these biological findings with longstanding philosophical debates about free will, revisiting classical frameworks in light of contemporary empirical data. By integrating genetics, neuroscience, and philosophy, Dr. Mitchell will demonstrate how modern science can inform, challenge, and reshape our understanding of human agency. This interdisciplinary exploration promises to illuminate one of humanity's most profound questions: are our actions predetermined, or do we possess genuine freedom of choice?