A prosaic book compared to the other books read so far this
year in neurobiology, neurophilosophy and neuropsychology. As such, a pragmatic read for those who want to get to the knub of the matter and form a framework for their own understanding of the subject. Research from
various disciplines are brought together to explain why we should abandon our
concepts of soul, free will and immortality. Alternatives are offered through recent
findings in brain science to provide foundations for morality, reality and the
meaning of life. This cartoon provides an apt illustration of how we 'overthink' when compared to our animal friends.
This book revolves around the theme of ‘why we live the
lives we live’. It provides a good overview of how recent advances in
neuroscience have changed the way the world is viewed. Importantly, the concept
that individuals are made up of their physical brain and mind. Once the
physical body dies, so does the brain and mind. So why are we here then? and
what is our purpose in life?? Thagard argues that it is us that builds our
reality, therefore through our work,
love and play, we express what we stand for and who we are.
The book is a good ‘textbook’ introduction to some of the
complex ideas presented by other authors exampled by the Churchlands, see blog
earlier this year. Thagard’s writing swings towards to academic but is made
accessible through the use of analogies and examples.
There are extensive notes provided from each chapter, a
glossary of neuroscience and philosophical terms, 15 pages of references
covering the salient readings in the field and an index. Therefore, the book provides a good source for people seeking an introduction to the subject.
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