Modern studies of the brain use
sophisticated imaging techniques, MRIs, PET scans, and others in an
effort to isolate functions to specific parts of the brain. At first
these techniques seemed extremely promising. However, when subjects
were given more tests to highlight specific facets of memory and perception, the results
were often unexpected. Storage of memories could more around. It
might be different in young people and older people. These were
fascinating findings and while not negating previous findings they
amplified them, and, as often in science, the amplification led to
new questions.
Probably the most important part of the
book is the final chapter in which Le Fanu reflects on what the
findings have shown about the brain and what still remains a mystery.
Among the mysteries are imagination, reasoning, and free will.
Perhaps the remaining most significant mystery is the self. Nearly
everyone perceives themselves as a distinct being. We can think about
our thoughts, and most of us have the sensation that our self is
located somewhere in the forehead between the eyes. Neuroscience has
not yet been able to find the mind that integrates brain functions, so
we are left with the mind/brain problem. A problem that
has troubled philosophers and scientists for hundreds of years.
I highly recommend this book. The
author does a goof job presenting technical information in language
most lay people can understand. He also makes an
excellent case for the gap between what neuroscience has been able to
accomplish, and that is a great deal, and the still unexplained
mysteries of the mind.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
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