The stop signal task is used to investigate motor inhibition. Several groups have reported partial electromyogram (EMG) activation when subjects successfully withhold manual responses and have used this finding to define the nature of response inhibition properties in the spinal motor system. It is unknown whether subthreshold EMG activation from extraocular muscles can be detected in the saccadic response version of the stop signal task. The saccadic spike potential provides a way to examine extraocular EMG activation associated with eye movements in electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings. We used several techniques to isolate extraocular EMG activation from anterior electrode locations of EEG recorded from macaque monkeys. Robust EMG activation was present when eye movements were made, but no activation was detected when saccades were deemed canceled. This work highlights a key difference between the spinal motor system and the saccade system.

Endorsing the conceptual clarity of Nachev and Hacker, we offer an alternative perspective on intention and action that focuses on consequences instead of the antecedents of action. We propose that given many-to-one mapping of brain states to body movements, the brain processes that monitor action consequences offer a reconciliation of intentional reasons with neural causes. This proposal offers an enriched compatibilist position providing useful leverage on questions of responsibility and culpability.

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