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Overview
At age fifty-four, Derek suffered a stroke that left him temporarily unable to speak. A month later his speech returned, but he experienced the speech of others as "mumbling." Was Derek partially deaf? No: doctors discovered that he failed to hear only abstract words (such as idea or freedom). But Derek's reading comprehension and definition of abstract words was perfect; it was just hearing them that was impossible for him. Dr. Richard Restak employs fascinating cases such as this to explore the concept of the modular brain, a new frontier of the science of the mind. Derek's case and others like it suggest that spoken and written comprehension occur in separate areas of the brain; that the brain is not centrally organized as previously thought but, rather, different parts of the brain control different abilities, and these parts (or modules) operate independently. As Dr. Restak explains, this renders untenable the traditional distinction between mind and brain embodied in the two often competing disciplines of psychiatry and neurology. While most of us think of ourselves as having unified minds and personalities, important aspects of ourselves may be altered or disappear completely as a result of brain damage. What's more, all of the expressions of the mind - the exercise of free will, memory, knowledge, consciousness, identity, and selfhood - are now recognized as dependent on the brain. Compelling case studies from his own clinical practice and research enliven Dr. Restak's explanation of how neuroscience is proposing answers to our questions about identity and consciousness, the same questions that philosophers have been asking for centuries.Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
Restak, a neurologist and author of The Brain and The Mind , examines recent discoveries in neuroscience that radically alter traditional views of how the brain operates and, at the same time, cast light on free will and identity and other matters central to the human condition. Since the early 1800s, science has understood that different locations in the brain are responsible for different functions, with later research suggesting a hierarchical organization in which the cerebral hemispheres control the deeper, more primitive areas that are not so recently evolved. But a new, more dynamic model of the brain posits a parallel rather than a hierarchical structure, in which many processes, including perception and comprehension, occur simultaneously. Citing research and case studies, Restak describes the modular theory as it relates to such acts as vision and speech, also describing its impact on such issues as consciousness, memory and morality. More interesting for the questions raised than answers offered, this is an accessible, provocative look at the relationship between science and philosophy. (Aug.)Library Journal
In a book somewhat oversold by its subtitle, neurologist Restak covers ground he has already worked elsewhere (e.g., The Brain Has a Mind of Its Own, LJ 9/1/91), offering more a reassessment of what is known about how we think than answers of any kind. (The "modular" theory of brain function described here implies a sort of democratic brain in which all cells communicate with one another rather than via highly structured regions.) Through liberal use of case studies la Oliver Sacks and with the benefit of an encyclopedic grasp of the history of neurological theories, Restak writes elegantly and accessibly about a subject of almost endless fascination: how the "mind" works. Though scholars or professionals in the field may find the result less ambitious than it could be, this is highly recommended as a primer on the subject. A good choice for general collections. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 4/15/94.]-Mark L. Shelton, Athens, OhioWilliam Beatty
Restak, author of several books on the brain and bioethics, once again tackles a difficult subject and produces lucid, fascinating, informative reading for both the laity and nonspecialist scientists. Asking whether the self is a unity or a multiplicity, Restak shows that the modular conception of the brain suggests that multiplicity in the individual becomes unity, but that each person is unique. With Restak enlivening his discussions of historic and current research with many case histories, we learn about willed versus involuntary action, memory, and consciousness. Restak also shows how patients' injuries and diseases have helped researchers and clinicians to pinpoint brain functions and elucidate connections between brain modules. Computers cannot duplicate brains nor can they explain how the brain works, Restak argues, for Information transfer within the brain is not like a train moving from station to station but more like the spread of a rumor.Book Details
Published
September 30, 1994
Publisher
Prentice Hall & IBD
Pages
256
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780684195445