Variability of invertebrate behavior and the problem of free will
I.D. Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters RAS
152742 Yaroslavl Region, Borok
e-mail: nepom@ibiw.yaroslavl.ru
Behavior in animals, including invertebrates, varies spontaneously. The spontaneous variability results from nonlinear stochastic processes in nervous system. Some researchers believe this stochastic variability to be a basis for free will. Their arguments are as follows. The stochastic variability simultaneously generates different variants of behavior. As a result, animals have an opportunity to choose from possible behaviors. This ability to choose voluntarily is a core of free will. Manifestations of free will in invertebrates and humans differ quantitatively only. We dispute this viewpoint. Stochastic processes do not generate different variants of behavior simultaneously. Therefore, stochasticity does not provide animals with a real choice. This does mean that there is no proof for free will in invertebrates.
