The Emotional Computer

A widespread interest in the working of the human brain has been one consequence of the phenomenal expansion of "popular science". The development of sophisticated machines capable of replicating many human activities has opened up new horizons and created teasing problems. Consequently, many writers have sought to explore the nature of human consciousness and to distinguish between human and machine "thinking". In this text, the author explores what it is about the human "self" which sets us apart from machines. His belief is of the brain as an "emotional" computer, programmed via genes or via culture, informing us to eat, play tennis or have sex through the activation of feelings: feelings are the part of the equation so often neglected by cognitive psychology. Speaking from the heart of current debates in cognitive science and socio-biology, this book should be useful reading for everyone interested in the workings of the human brain and behaviour. Jose Antonio Jauregui is the author of "The Rules of the Game: The Tribes" and "The Rules of the Game: The Sexes".