I recall a study with a setup similar to what's described in this article, but with an important change. In the experiment, when the equipment predicted a subject's choice to push button 'A', they ingeniously manipulated the outcome (perhaps through some neural stimulation?) causing the subject to choose button 'B' instead.
What's fascinating is how participants consistently rationalized their choices as products of their own free will, despite the external influence. This suggests that our conscious mind might often act as a 'spokesperson', justifying actions initiated by our subconscious.
Can anyone remember this and perhaps post a link to that study?
I think I saw that in some documentary but I can't recall either.
However I'm curious about your phrasing "this suggests that our conscious mind might often act as a 'spokesperson', justifying actions initiated by our subconscious."
To me this is far from a suggestion, it's an observable fact, both in others and in first person. Are there people who don't view it like this? Who think all their actions are conscious decisions and don't catch themselves spinning narrative threads by their biases and fears?
What's fascinating is how participants consistently rationalized their choices as products of their own free will, despite the external influence. This suggests that our conscious mind might often act as a 'spokesperson', justifying actions initiated by our subconscious.
Can anyone remember this and perhaps post a link to that study?