Self-control is largely an illusion—most people cannot consciously control basic bodily functions, and split-brain experiments prove humans are less in control than they believe
The belief that we are the conscious authors of our behavior is systematically overstated. Physiological control experiments and split-brain research both demonstrate that the conscious 'self' is largely narrating events rather than causing them.
Relevant Clips2
- Teaching
Split-Brain Experiments Prove Humans Retroactively Rationalize Actions
Brain hemisphere experiments with severed corpus callosum prove humans are less in control than they think, as patients would unconsciously act on right-brain stimuli then retroactively create logical explanations for their actions
- Teaching2:52
Self-Control Is Largely an Illusion
Self-control is largely an illusion—most people cannot consciously control basic bodily functions like slowing their heartbeat by 20% or changing hand temperature by 10 degrees