Faculty of Catholic Theology Religion, Society, and World Relations

Menschliche Willensfreiheit im interdisziplinären Diskurs

Are we truly free in what we think and do? Or are our actions ultimately the result of processes in the brain? These questions touch upon one of the oldest debates of all: the relationship between body and soul, or between brain and mind. The research project ‘Human Free Will in Interdisciplinary Discourse’ addresses these questions and explores the status and nature of the mental in the world. The focus is on our understanding of consciousness and human freedom.

Duration
08/2026 - 12/2026

Funding
private funding :
16 000 Euro

Project management

Prof. Dr. Patrick Becker
Holder of the Professorship for Fundamental Theology and Religious Studies (Faculty of Catholic Theology)

The project, which is based on a symposium held in 2026, brings together the perspectives of various academics from the fields of physics, psychology, Philosophy, neuroscience and theology. Their findings are now being developed into an open-access publication, which is due to be published by the end of 2027.

To this end, the first step will be to take stock of existing concepts relating to consciousness and free will. Building on this, these concepts will be further explored collaboratively. By bringing together the participating disciplines, the aim is to provide fresh impetus for the debate.

Further information on the project can be found on the website of the Professorship for Fundamental Theology.

Brain-Mind Debate

Profile field

Religion, Society, and World Relations