Neuromania
On the limits of brain science
1st Edition
Published on 12. May 2011
Book
Hardback
134 pages
978-0-19-959134-3 (ISBN)
Description
Neuroeconomics, neuromarketing, neuroaesthetics, and neurotheology are just a few of the novel disciplines that have been inspired by a combination of ancient knowledge together with recent discoveries about how the human brain works. The mass media are full of news items featuring colour photos of the brain, that show us the precise location in which a certain thought or emotion, or even love occurs, hence leading us to believe that we can directly observe, with no mediation, the brain at work. But is this really so? Even throughout the developed world, the general public has been seduced into believing that any study, research article, or news report, accompanied by a brain image or two is more reliable and more scientific, than one featuring more mundane illustrations.
This fascinating, accessible, and thought provoking new book questions our obsession with brain imaging. Written by two highly experienced psychologists, it discusses some of the familiar ideas usually associated wtih mind-body, brain-psyche, and nature-culture relationships, showing how the biased and unquestioning use of brain imaging technology could have significant cultural effects for all of us.
This fascinating, accessible, and thought provoking new book questions our obsession with brain imaging. Written by two highly experienced psychologists, it discusses some of the familiar ideas usually associated wtih mind-body, brain-psyche, and nature-culture relationships, showing how the biased and unquestioning use of brain imaging technology could have significant cultural effects for all of us.
Reviews / Votes
Paolo Legrenzi and Carlo Umilta bring a welcome appraisal of brain research to a broad audience. They provide an insightful and comprehensible overview of methods and techniques from the origins of brain science to todays MRI scanners... covering methodological aspects and controversial assumptions that are commonly unknown to the general public. * Science * Anyone who uses neuroimaging in research into mental processes should read this book. It is a provocative and stimulating critique * Philip Johnson Laird, Stuart Professor of Psychology, Princeton University * Neuroeconomics, neuroaesthetics, neuroethics, neuromarketing(!).... Why are there all these new neuro... "disciplines"? This short book gives a forceful, zany and sceptical answer from two distinguished psychologists. * Tim Shallice, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL and SISSA *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Anyone with an interest in science generally, but in particular in the fields of psychology, philosophy of mind, psychiatry
Illustrations
10 illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
309 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-959134-3 (9780199591343)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Paolo Legrenzi teaches Cognitive Psychology at the University of Venice, where he directs the School of Advanced Studies. He is the author of: "The Mind" (2002), "Creativity and Innovation (2005) and" Believe "(2008).
Carlo Umilta teaches neuropsychology at the University of Padua, where he directs the Galilean School of Higher Studies. He is the author/editor of "Handbook of neuroscience" (ed., 1999) and "brain. Anatomy and structure of the Central Nervous System" (with M. Matelli, 2007).
Carlo Umilta teaches neuropsychology at the University of Padua, where he directs the Galilean School of Higher Studies. He is the author/editor of "Handbook of neuroscience" (ed., 1999) and "brain. Anatomy and structure of the Central Nervous System" (with M. Matelli, 2007).