Mind Matters: How Mind and Brain Interact to Create Our Conscious Lives

by Michael S. Gazzaniga

Examining mind-brain interactions in mental states such as anxiety, pain, dreams, depression, love, phobias, and obsessions, the author discusses the complicated way in which the mind interprets the chemical changes in the brain

Genres: Science, Neuroscience, Brain, Psychology

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

Michael S. Gazzaniga, one of the premiere doctors of neuroscience, was born on December 12, 1939 in Los Angeles. Educated at Dartmouth College and California Institute of Technology, he is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he heads the new SAGE Center for the Study of the Mind.

His early research examined the subject of epileptics who had undergone surgery to control seizures. He has also studied Alzheimer's and Parkinson's patients and reveals important findings in books such as Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biology of the Mind.

While many of his writings are technical, he also educates and stimulates readers with discussions about the fascinating and mysterious workings of the brain. Books such as The Social Brain and The Mind's Past bring forth new information and theories regarding how the brain functions, interacts, and responds with the body and the environment.

Reviews

[Kate]

Recommended in Government 72: Human Nature and Politics taught by Professor Roger Masters.

[Walt Kasmir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael S. Gazzaniga is a thought-provoking exploration into the complex relationship between the mind and the brain. Gazzaniga, a renowned neuroscientist, delves into the intricacies of how our mental experiences arise from neural processes, yet are not entirely reducible to them. The book is a fascinating journey that covers a range of topics, from the modular nature of brain function to the emergence of consciousness and free will. Gazzaniga's writing is both accessible and intellectually rigorous, making the book a compelling read for those interested in neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. He employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating findings from various fields to present a nuanced understanding of the mind-brain interface.

What sets "Mind Matters" apart is Gazzaniga's ability to tackle complex scientific and philosophical questions with clarity and nuance. He doesn't shy away from addressing controversial topics like the existence of the soul or the nature of human agency, but he does so in a manner that is grounded in empirical research. Critics may argue that the book leans too heavily on a materialistic view of consciousness, potentially neglecting the subjective and experiential aspects of mental life. However, Gazzaniga's arguments are well-substantiated, offering a balanced perspective that respects both the scientific and the phenomenological dimensions of the mind. Whether you're a neuroscientist, a philosopher, or simply someone intrigued by the enigma of human consciousness, "Mind Matters" provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of how our minds and brains interact to create the tapestry of our mental lives.

[Pedro · Rating 1 out of 5]

During the HBM in Melbourne he gave the main keynote speak and although I disagreed with almost everything he said I though the theme was interesting and worth reading. Both books I read from Michael Gazzaniga were disappointing to say the least. Not only the style used is confusing but the ideas are based in shaky data.