The Soul in the Brain
The Cerebral Basis of Language, Art, and Belief
Will be published approx. on 9. February 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-4214-1189-7 (ISBN)
Description
In this provocative study, Michael R. Trimble, M.D., tackles the interrelationship between brain function, language, art-especially music and poetry-and religion. By examining the breakdown of language in several neuropsychiatric disorders, he identifies brain circuits that are involved with metaphor, poetry, music, and religious experiences. Drawing on this body of evidence, Trimble argues that religious experiences and beliefs are explicable biologically and relate to brain function, especially of the nondominant hemisphere. Inspired by the writings and reflections of his patients-many of whom have epilepsy, psychosis, or affective disorders-Trimble asks how the human species, so enamored of its own logic and critical facilities, has held from the dawn of civilization strong religious beliefs and a reverence for the arts. He explores topics such as the phenomena of hypergraphia and hyper-religiosity, how religious experiences and poetic expression are neurologically linked with our capacity to respond to music, and how neuropsychiatric disorders influence behaviors related to artistic expression and religiosity by disturbing brain function.
With the sensitivity of a dedicated doctor and the curiosity of an accomplished scholar, Trimble offers an insightful analysis of how the study of people with paradigmatical neuropsychiatric conditions can be the cornerstone to unraveling some of the mysteries of the cerebral representations of our highest cultural experiences.
With the sensitivity of a dedicated doctor and the curiosity of an accomplished scholar, Trimble offers an insightful analysis of how the study of people with paradigmatical neuropsychiatric conditions can be the cornerstone to unraveling some of the mysteries of the cerebral representations of our highest cultural experiences.
Reviews / Votes
This book exists... to explain matters of the heart using our knowledge of the mind... A host of professional students, clinicians, educators, and other well-read individuals will find this worthy of a close and careful read. -- Mark H. Fleisher JAMA Perfect for either college-level collections strong in science, health, or social science and for public lending collections alike... An intriguing, lively survey. Midwest Book Review A highly thought-provoking excursion through neuroscience, philosophy, and culture. Scientific American Mind This scholarly, yet provocative, book from an insightful, observant neurologist... is rich with thought-provoking ideas. -- Chris McManus British Journal of Psychiatry It is hard to imagine reading this book carefully without being enriched by the experience. -- Bruce L Miller Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry This text considers crucial and significant questions about the relationship between creativity, belief and the brain. One does not need to agree with the arguments and conclusions to find much of value in this book. I suspect that it will receive a warm critical reception within scientific and medical contexts, and I have no doubt that many receptive readers will also be found amongst an informed general audience. -- Jay Johnston Journal of Religious History Trimble's book has elegantly accomplished its ambitious scope in highlighting the cerebral mechanisms that contribute to the most vital aspects of human experience, thus building solid intellectual bridges between different-and often noncommunicating-research fields. -- Andrea E. Cavanna Cognitive Neuropsychiatry A final chapter integrates the book's core themes, using poetic examples as illustrations-resulting in an evocative meditation on art and biology. ChoiceMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Baltimore, MD
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
12 s/w Photographien bzw. Rasterbilder, 7 s/w Zeichnungen
7 Line drawings, black and white; 12 Halftones, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
500 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4214-1189-7 (9781421411897)
DOI
10.1353/book.3325
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
06/2007
Johns Hopkins University Press
€24.99
Available for download
Book
06/2007
Johns Hopkins University Press
€44.50
Article not available for order
Person
Michael R. Trimble, M.D., is a professor of behavioral neurology at the Institute of Neurology, University of London.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Where Did It All Begin?
2. The Neuroanatomy of Emotion
3. Language and the Human Brain
4. The Other Way of Using Language
5. The Breakdown of Language
6. Music and the Brain
7. Neurotheology I: Epilepsy
8. Neurotheology II: Other Neurological Conditions
9. God, Music, and the Poetry of the Brain
Epilogue
Appendix I: Brief Biographies of Some Poets with Bipolar Disorder
Appendix II: Some Notable Religious Poets
Notes
References
Index
Introduction
1. Where Did It All Begin?
2. The Neuroanatomy of Emotion
3. Language and the Human Brain
4. The Other Way of Using Language
5. The Breakdown of Language
6. Music and the Brain
7. Neurotheology I: Epilepsy
8. Neurotheology II: Other Neurological Conditions
9. God, Music, and the Poetry of the Brain
Epilogue
Appendix I: Brief Biographies of Some Poets with Bipolar Disorder
Appendix II: Some Notable Religious Poets
Notes
References
Index