[jeffschofield]

As usual it really depends on what you individually are referring to when you use the words "self-awareness" or "free will". Even "illusion" in this context could refer to something other than what you might expect. It really muddies the waters when seeking clarity on these questions, as it often seems like people don't even agree on the referent in the first place.

Based on your description this view sounds like it would be in the wheelhouse of the likes of Dan Dennett and Keith Frankish, the latter of which argues for a view called Illusionism [0]. Just note in this case "illusion" doesn't mean "not real", but more like "isn't what you think it is".

[0] https://keithfrankish.github.io/articles/Frankish_Illusionis...