Balance: How It Works and What It Means

Balance is a fundamental concept that permeates various aspects of life, from physical activities to language and science. Paul Thagard explores the physiological and metaphorical aspects of balance, discussing its importance in maintaining bodily stability and its connection to neuroscience, consciousness, and the human condition. He argues that balance is a matter of making sense of the world and that it enables people to solve puzzles and understand the world around them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Living is a delicate balancing act that requires the brain to constantly maintain equilibrium in everyday activities such as walking, running, or riding a bike. The epitome of balance is seen in the poised elegance of a dancer and the breathtaking performance of a tightrope walker, both of which showcase the remarkable ability to maintain stability and precision. Language is rich with expressions and figures of speech that evoke the concept of balance, emphasizing the importance of finding a harmonious equilibrium in various aspects of life.

People constantly strive for work-life balance and consume balanced diets, recognizing the significance of achieving a harmonious state in these areas. The concept of balance extends beyond personal endeavors and permeates various domains, including politics, where checks and balances, power dynamics, and balanced budgets are essential. In science, equilibrium is a fundamental principle that governs the behavior of systems, and understanding the concept is crucial for advancing our understanding of the natural world.

Why is balance so fundamental, and how do physical and metaphorical balance shed light on each other? Paul Thagard delves into these questions in his insightful book, Balance. He explores the physiological mechanisms that underpin bodily balance and explains how their failures can lead to conditions such as nausea, falls, or vertigo. Thagard connects bodily balance with leading ideas in neuroscience, including the nature of consciousness. He analyzes balance metaphors across science, medicine, economics, the arts, and philosophy, highlighting their usefulness in understanding certain aspects of life while also cautioning against misleading or harmful interpretations.

Thagard contends that balance is ultimately about making sense of the world. In both literal and metaphorical senses, balance enables individuals to solve the puzzles of life by integrating sensory signals or seemingly incongruous comparisons into a coherent whole. By understanding the complexities of balance, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the human condition and the challenges we face in navigating the complexities of our lives.

Balance is a multidisciplinary book that bridges philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, offering a comprehensive exploration of the concept's many meanings and applications. By unraveling the mysteries of balance, Thagard provides a valuable framework for understanding the human experience and the forces that shape our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of human existence and the quest for equilibrium in a world that is constantly in motion.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205580