The Quantum Brain: The Search for Freedom and the Next Generation of Man - Hardcover

Satinover, Jeffrey

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471333263 ISBN 13: 9780471333265

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2001

Synopsis

An enthralling look at the convergence of brain science, biological computation and quantum physics, and what it implies about our minds, our selves, our future, even God Do we really have free will or do we just imagine we do? Do we create our own destinies, or are we merely machines? Will the machines we are now making themselves have free will? These are the fundamental questions of The Quantum Brain. To answer them, psychiatrist, researcher, and critically acclaimed author Jeffrey Satinover first explores the latest discoveries in neuroscience, modern physics, and radically new kinds of computing, then shows how, together, they suggest the brain embodies and amplifies the mysterious laws of quantum physics. By its doing so, Satinover argues we are elevated above the mere learning machines modern science assumes us to be. Satinover also makes two provocative predictions: We will soon construct artificial devices as free and aware as we are; as well as begin a startling re–evaluation of just who and what we are, of our place in the universe, and perhaps even of God.

About this title

About the Author

Jeffrey Satinover is a practicing psychiatrist, past president of the C. G. Jung Foundation, and a former Fellow in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry at Yale University. He has been a William James Lecturer in Psychology and Religion at Harvard University. He is currently a special student at Yale. His other books include Cracking the Bible Code.

From the Back Cover

"The Quantum Brain is the first great book of the 21st century–and the first definitively 21st century book. It will be read with admiration and amazement."–George Gilder, bestselling author and publisher of the Gilder Technology Report "Many authors have written about one or two of the topics covered in The Quantum Brain. Jeffrey Satinover′s book is unique in trying to tie everything together."–Michael E. Kellman, Professor of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Oregon "Thoroughly researched . . . and told as a gripping tale, thanks to Dr. Satinover′s . . . gift for the narrative. A marvelous introduction to the most fascinating question the human brain can address: its own working."–R. Shankar, Professor of Physics and Applied Physics, Yale University "A thrilling journey through the world of brain research. The author has set new standards for popular science writing by making arcane topics . . . easy to follow. A tapestry of insights."–Jack Tuszynski, Professor of Physics, University of Alberta "I wish I had written this visionary book."–Professor Hugo de Garis, Head, Starbrain Project, Starlab′s Artificial Brain Project

From the Inside Flap

Do we have free will or just imagine that we do? Do we create our own destinies or are we merely machines? Can we create a brain bigger than our own? To answer these and many other provocative questions, psychiatrist, researcher, and critically acclaimed author Jeffrey Satinover turns to the cutting edge of science and sees a future for and truth about ourselves that are both shocking and profound. First, Satinover takes us through the fascinating history of neural nets and learning machines, a history driven by battles between some of our country′s greatest minds– from the flamboyant, sometimes vilified Frank Rosenblatt to the formidable, fearless Marvin Minsky. Satinover also explains how we are applying this radical computing to neuroscience in order to create artificial brains. These not only seem to mimic ours but may even surpass them. Then, in language no less graceful for the heft of his subject, Satinover reveals the third axis of his stunning argument: Quantum physics, the most successful theory in the history of science, allows the brain to embody and amplify the mysterious, absolute freedom that underlies all the physical world. As a result, Satinover argues persuasively, we are elevated above the mere learning machines modern science assumes us to be. Satinover also makes two predictions: We will soon construct artificial devices as free and aware as we are; and we will likewise soon begin a startling re–evaluation of just who and what we are, of our place in the universe, and, perhaps, even of God. The world of the quantum brain, long imagined, is finally coming, and Jeffrey Satinover has given us an astonishing preview.

Edition details

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471333263
• ISBN 13: 9780471333265
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 288