Mirroring Brains: How we understand others from the inside

Mirroring Brains is a book that explores the discovery of mirror neurons and their fundamental principle of the functioning of the whole brain. It provides a deeper understanding of how we relate to each other and introduces the idea of understanding from the inside.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Mirroring Brains is a groundbreaking work that delves into the realm of neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, offering a comprehensive account of one of the most intriguing discoveries of the past three decades: the discovery of mirror neurons. These neurons are characterized by their ability to fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action being performed by others. While it was once believed that mirror neurons were exclusive to a small subset of neurons, recent research has revealed that the mirror property is a fundamental principle of the functioning of the entire brain.

In their exploration of this discovery, Rizzolatti and Sinigaglia shed light on how we are able to instantly understand the actions and emotions of others, providing a deeper understanding of how we relate to one another. They introduce the concept of "understanding from the inside," which suggests that mirror neurons enable us to tap into the internal states and experiences of others, fostering empathy and connection.

Through a comprehensive survey of the main neuronal and psychological findings concerning the mirror mechanism, as well as an extensive discussion of its potential role in social cognition, Rizzolatti and Sinigaglia offer readers a profound insight into a fundamental principle of brain function. This book is a must-read for neuroscientists, psychologists, philosophers, sociologists, and anyone who is interested in exploring the intricacies of human relationships and the mechanisms that underpin our social interactions.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198871705