The neurosciences propose that the concept of will is scientifically untenable - it is our brain rather than our 'self' that controls our choices. Yet we seem to be confronted with increasing free choice in all areas of life. Using up-to-date empirical research in the social sciences and philosophy, this volume addresses the seeming contradiction.

The neurosciences propose that the concept of will is scientifically untenable - it is our brain rather than our 'self' that controls our choices. Yet we seem to be confronted with increasing free choice in all areas of life. Using up-to-date empirical research in the social sciences and philosophy, this volume addresses the seeming contradiction.

Introduction; S.Maasen & B. Sutter PART I: SELF - PAST AND PRESENT Self-Help: The Making of Neosocial Selves in Neoliberal Society; S.Maasen, B.Sutter & S.Duttweiler Technologies of the Will and their Christian Roots; I>A.Hahn & M.Schorch Governing By Will; S.Maasen , B.Sutter & S.Duttweiler PART II: SELF AND (SOCIO-)SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE Governing the Will in a Neurochemical Age; N.Rose The Person as an Effect of Communication; A.Nassehi PART III: SELF AND POLITICS Creating Citizen-Consumers? Public Service Reform and (Un)Willing Selves; J.Clarke, J. Newman & L.Westmarland Neopolitics: Voluntary Action in the Neoconservative Regime; B.Cruikshank 'Craving' Research: Smart Drugs and the Elusiveness of Desire; M.Valverde PART IV: SELF AND MORALITY From Voluntary to Relational Action: Responsibility and Value in a Global Context; K.J.Gergen The Role of the Self-Model for Self-Determination; T.Vierkant