Items related to How Brains Make Up Their Minds (Maps of the Mind)
It was obvious to the ancient Greeks, and the Egyptians before them, that all our plans, desires, and beliefs come from our brains. Descartes conceived the brain as the site of action of the soul, where it worked the valves regulating the flow of brain fluids like a pilot guiding a ship. Brain scientists today have dismissed the pilot, thereby creating "the mystery of consciousness." How can mere neurons, which are only little bags of chemicals, work together in brains and bodies to create the grandeur of human life, culture, and experience? How in a materialist world can we reinstate the pilot, the self in each of us, that endows us with the powers of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?"
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
Raise your arm. Now: which came first? The raising of your arm, or the decision to raise it? Walter Freeman's admirably articulate and very difficult little book on the biological foundations of consciousness comes up with a surprising answer: action precedes consciousness of action. Consciousness has better things to do than involve itself with simple motor actions; rather, it establishes the parameters within which action occurs by itself. We are not divine homunculi, directing action independent of the physical constraints of cause and effect. But neither are we ghosts in the machine of the body, observing, and taking credit for, actions which are in reality dictated by conditioned responses and blind fate. Minds are like weather systems: at once evanescent and remarkably robust. Freeman's grasp of philosophy is unprecedented among experimental biologists, and he writes at the leading edge of that movement that makes study of the mind the venue for the long-awaited reconciliation of science and the humanities. This book would make a poor introduction to the subject: it is too much part of the ongoing debate, and readers would do better to tuck a few Dennetts, Calvins and Penroses under their belts first. But this caveat takes nothing away from Freeman's contribution or importance, and the book is a fine addition to Steven Rose's "Maps of the Mind" series, which looks to be the most diverse and rigorous science series for many years. --Simon Ings
Review:
"This book takes a significant position that sets the stage for unifying research results in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy into a cohesive interpretation of the psychological and philosophical aspects of brain activities. Delightful to read, cohesive, and thought-provoking." -- "Choice"
"This book takes a significant position that sets the stage for unifying research results in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy into a cohesive interpretation of the psychological and philosophical aspects of brain activities. Delightful to read, cohesive, and thought-provoking." -- Choice
A must read for anyone who seriously wants to understand how brains make up their minds.--Stan Franklin "Minds & Machines "
"This book takes a significant position that sets the stage for unifying research results in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy into a cohesive interpretation of the psychological and philosophical aspects of brain activities. Delightful to read, cohesive, and thought-provoking." -- Choice
"This book takes a significant position that sets the stage for unifying research results in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy into a cohesive interpretation of the psychological and philosophical aspects of brain activities. Delightful to read, cohesive, and thought-provoking." -- "Choice"
"A must read for anyone who seriously wants to understand how brains make up their minds." -- Stan Franklin, "Minds & Machines"
A must read for anyone who seriously wants to understand how brains make up their minds.--Stan Franklin"Minds & Machines" (01/01/0001)
A must read for anyone who seriously wants to understand how brains make up their minds.
--Stan Franklin"Minds & Machines" (01/01/0001)A must read for anyone who seriously wants to understand how brains make up their minds.--Stan Franklin "Minds & Machines "
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherColumbia Univ Pr
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 0231120095
- ISBN 13 9780231120098
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages171
- Rating
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