Disembodied Brains

Until recently, brains in vats and animals with partly-human brains have been the realm of science fiction, but recent research is making them real. In Disembodied Brains, John H. Evans examines the viewpoints of professional ethicists and scientists on the implications of these new technologies, and how those viewpoints contrast with the fearful intuitions of the general public.

"Society has long been fascinated with mixes of humans and animals, and scientists have recently developed human-animal neuro-chimeras, which are animals with some component of a human brain. Society has also been fascinated by the "brain in the vat," and now scientists have developed human brain organoids, which are small parts of a human brain in a dish grown from cells from a person's body. The general reaction to these technologies is shock or disgust, and this book closely examines the public's response to these technologies. The public tends to believe in a foundational distinction between humans and animals, and the neuro-chimera violates this distinction, resulting in opposition. Similarly, the public tends to believe that disembodied human parts are not totally separate from the original human, and therefore a brain organoid in a dish retains the "essence" of the person from whom the cells originate. This too results in greater concern about the human brain organoid. The book also examines more general attitudes toward biotechnology that also impact the public's views of neuro-chimeras and organoids. The book concludes with a discussion of how to set a public policy so that limits on these technologies are possible - allowing the development of the technologies for medical research but stopping the technologies from reaching the public's dystopia of the very human animal or the organoid that is perceived as actually a part of another human"--

"Society has long been fascinated with mixes of humans and animals, and scientists have recently developed human-animal neuro-chimeras, which are animals with some component of a human brain. Society has also been fascinated by the "brain in the vat," and now scientists have developed human brain organoids, which are small parts of a human brain in a dish grown from cells from a person's body. The general reaction to these technologies is shock or disgust, and this book closely examines the public's response to these technologies. The public tends to believe in a foundational distinction between humans and animals, and the neuro-chimera violates this distinction, resulting in opposition. Similarly, the public tends to believe that disembodied human parts are not totally separate from the original human, and therefore a brain organoid in a dish retains the "essence" of the person from whom the cells originate. This too results in greater concern about the human brain organoid. The book also examines more general attitudes toward biotechnology that also impact the public's views of neuro-chimeras and organoids. The book concludes with a discussion of how to set a public policy so that limits on these technologies are possible - allowing the development of the technologies for medical research but stopping the technologies from reaching the public's dystopia of the very human animal or the organoid that is perceived as actually a part of another human"--

Leading scholars respond to the famous proposition by Andy Clark and David Chalmers that cognition and mind are not located exclusively in the head.

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

The Human Brain Book is a complete guide to the one organ in the body that makes each of us what we are - unique individuals. It combines the latest findings from the field of neuroscience with expert text and state-of-the-art illustrations and imaging techniques to provide an incomparable insight into every facet of the brain. Layer by layer, it reveals the fascinating details of this remarkable structure, covering all the key anatomy and delving into the inner workings of the mind, unlocking its many mysteries, and helping you to understand what's going on in those millions of little gray and white cells. Tricky concepts are illustrated and explained with clarity and precision, as The Human Brain Book looks at how the brain sends messages to the rest of the body, how we think and feel, how we perform unconscious actions (for example, breathing), explores the nature of genius, asks why we behave the way we do, explains how we see and hear things, and how and why we dream. Physical and psychological disorders affecting the brain and nervous system are clearly illustrated and summarized in easy-to-understand terms.

Great Myths of the Brain introduces readers to the field of neuroscience by examining popular myths about the human brain. Explores commonly-held myths of the brain through the lens of scientific research, backing up claims with studies and other evidence from the literature Looks at enduring myths such as “Do we only use 10% of our brain?”, “Pregnant women lose their mind”, “Right-brained people are more creative” and many more. Delves into myths relating to specific brain disorders, including epilepsy, autism, dementia, and others Written engagingly and accessibly for students and lay readers alike, providing a unique introduction to the study of the brain Teaches readers how to spot neuro hype and neuro-nonsense claims in the media

A new understanding of learning based on the findings of neuroscience can propel the teaching ministry of the Church to new levels of effectiveness. Neuroscience is offering fresh insight into how humans learn. The resulting teaching paradigmbrain-based learningis plotting a fresh model for teaching that is proving to make teaching more memorable, more applicable, and more likely to result in changed thought and behavior. It is also refusing to relegate learning to the brain as it re-enlists the human body as an instrument of learning. Entrusted with the teaching ministry of Jesus, no one needs to employ brain-based teaching methodology more than those who teach Christ crucified, yet in the course of our prime teaching time, the worship service, we often violate every guideline. This book is written to educate and empower those who plan worship to understand and use brain-based teaching strategies. Paula Champion-Jones is a triple threat. She has been designing creative worship services for years, she has an enormous heart to see Gods church succeed, and now she has the neuroscience to back up how shes invested her own creative gifts. You cannot go wrong by reading this book. It will open your eyes, give you new ideas, make you rethink stuff that needs rethinking...in short, it will teach the most experienced pastors and the most jaded churchgoers to see worship planning in an inspiring new way. I cant wait to assign it to students in my worship class! Laura K. Simmons, Professor of Christian Ministries, George Fox Seminary