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Bibliographic Details
Title: Agency.
Authors: Killeen PR; Arizona State University., Tillery SH; Arizona State University., Cabrera F; Universidad de Guadalajara.
Source: The Journal of general psychology [J Gen Psychol] 2025 Jul-Sep; Vol. 152 (3), pp. 526-576. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Dec 08.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Routledge Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 2985111R Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1940-0888 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00221309 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Gen Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: 2010- : New York : Routledge
Original Publication: Provincetown, Mass. : Journal Press
MeSH Terms: Goals* , Sense of Agency*, Humans
Abstract: Agency is action aimed at goals selected by an agent. A deterministic world view leaves scant room for agency. To reconcile the arguments, we represent action as nested control systems, ranging from clearly deterministic to clearly volitional. Negative feedback minimizes deviations from setpoints (goals). Goals are determined by higher modules in a hierarchy of systems, ranging from gamma-efferent spindles through reflexes to operant responses; these last, and the larger system that contains them, called the Self, comprise volitional agents. When operants become habitual they descend to closed teleonomic systems-automaticity. Change in emotional states, and unpredicted changes in the context-raise them back to full volitional systems. At the highest level is the Self-the brain's model of the agent. When aroused out of open teleonomic functioning, it must reconsider means and ends. It does so by simulating action plans, using the same neural systems it uses to effect them. The simulated stimuli and responses are conscious, approximating their perceptions as experienced in real time; this verisimilitude gives them their hedonic value. Positive feedback plays a key role in these complex adaptive systems, as it focuses and holds attention on the most salient percepts and goals, permitting the self-organization of action plans. The Self is not a separate entity, but a colloquy of command modules wearing the avatar of the agent. This system is put into correspondence with Grossberg's Adaptive Resonance Theory. Free will and determinism emerge not as binary opposites, but the modulating inputs to a spectrum of systems.
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Agents; actions; consciousness; control systems; determinism; free will; intention; simulation; teleology; teleonomy
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20241208 Date Completed: 20250624 Latest Revision: 20250626
Update Code: 20250626
DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2024.2433277
PMID: 39645614
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:Agency is action aimed at goals selected by an agent. A deterministic world view leaves scant room for agency. To reconcile the arguments, we represent action as nested control systems, ranging from clearly deterministic to clearly volitional. Negative feedback minimizes deviations from setpoints (goals). Goals are determined by higher modules in a hierarchy of systems, ranging from gamma-efferent spindles through reflexes to operant responses; these last, and the larger system that contains them, called the Self, comprise volitional agents. When operants become habitual they descend to closed teleonomic systems-automaticity. Change in emotional states, and unpredicted changes in the context-raise them back to full volitional systems. At the highest level is the Self-the brain's model of the agent. When aroused out of open teleonomic functioning, it must reconsider means and ends. It does so by simulating action plans, using the same neural systems it uses to effect them. The simulated stimuli and responses are conscious, approximating their perceptions as experienced in real time; this verisimilitude gives them their hedonic value. Positive feedback plays a key role in these complex adaptive systems, as it focuses and holds attention on the most salient percepts and goals, permitting the self-organization of action plans. The Self is not a separate entity, but a colloquy of command modules wearing the avatar of the agent. This system is put into correspondence with Grossberg's Adaptive Resonance Theory. Free will and determinism emerge not as binary opposites, but the modulating inputs to a spectrum of systems.
ISSN:1940-0888
DOI:10.1080/00221309.2024.2433277