Neurophilosophy: Toward a Unified Science of the Mind-Brain

Description

Five chapters in the book's first part, "Some Elementary Neuroscience," sketch the history of the science of nervous systems and provide a general introduction to neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neuropsychology. In the second part, "Recent Developments in the Philosophy of Science," chapters place the mind-body problem within the wider context of the philosophy of science. Drawing on recent research in this area, a general account of intertheoretic reduction is explained, arguments for a reductionist strategy are developed, and traditional objections from dualists and other anti reductionists are answered in novel ways. The third part, "A Neurophilosophical Perspective," concludes the book with a presentation and discussion of some of the most promising theoretical developments currently under exploration in functional neurobiology and in the connectionist models within artificial intelligence research. A Bradford Book. Cover+Back Contents Preface Neurophilosophy General Introduction 1 The Science of Nervous Systems: A Historical Sketch 2 Modern Theory of Neurons 3 Functional Neuroanatomy 4 Higher Functions: Early Work 5 Higher Functions: Neuropsychology and Neurology 6 Introduction and Historical Sketch 7 Reduction and the Mind-Body Problem 8 Are Mental States Irreducible to Neurobiological States? 9 Functionalist Psychology 10 Theories of Brain Function 11 Closing Relmarks Notes Bibliography Index