Dallas Public Library

The brain as a tool, a neuroscientist's account, Ray Guillery ; [with original illustrations by Lizzie Burns]

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 237-253) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The brain as a tool

bibliography

991822522

Ray Guillery ; [with original illustrations by Lizzie Burns]

a neuroscientist's account

There are two distinct views about the functions of our brains and their origins. The standard view, taught in most neuroscience texts, has incoming messages about the world sent to the cerebral cortex, with the cortex then producing an appropriate motor output. The interactive view, largely expressed by philosophers and psychologists, stresses the continuous sensorimotor interactions of the brain with the world. 'The brain as a tool' focuses on thalamo-cortical interactions on the basis of the interactive view, exploring the phylogenetically new transthalamic corticocortical pathways of mammals that link a hierarchy of cortical areas to each other and back to the phylogenetically older motor centres for control of action. The book demonstrates how messages in these pathways produce an anticipation of our own actions and perceptions. In relating neural events to conscious processing and our sense of self , Guillery summarizes important evidence which links neuroscience with psychology and philosophy. This book is essential reading for neuroscientists, cognitive psychologists and philosophers.--, Source other than Library of Congress