Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience

M.R. Bennett and P.M.S. Hacker's Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience, the second edition, is a revised and extended seminal work that addresses conceptual confusions in neuroscientific and psychological theories. It presents an interdisciplinary critique of major theories and offers constructive analyses of cognitive, cogitative, emotional, and volitional attributes. The book has been updated to address current issues and critiques, including discussions on fMRI, information and representation, conflict monitoring, and minimal states of consciousness. It is a comprehensive reference work and an up-to-date critical review of cognitive neuroscience, discussing the mind-body problem, the necessity of distinguishing between empirical and conceptual questions, and the relation between the notion of person and human being.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In their groundbreaking work, Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience, M.R. Bennett and P.M.S. Hacker delve into the complexities of neuroscientific and psychological theories, offering a comprehensive exploration of the conceptual challenges encountered within these fields. This remarkable collaboration between an esteemed philosopher and a distinguished neuroscientist results in a comprehensive critique of the foundations of modern cognitive neuroscience. The authors identify and critically examine conceptual entanglements in a wide array of significant neuroscientific and psychological theories, encompassing the insights of renowned neuroscientists such as Blakemore, Crick, Damasio, Dehaene, Edelman, Gazzaniga, Kandel, Kosslyn, LeDoux, Libet, Penrose, Posner, Raichle, and Tononi, as well as psychologists like Baar, Frith, Glynn, Gregory, William James, Weiskrantz, and biologists like Dawkins, Humphreys, and Young. Furthermore, they address the critiques raised by philosophers such as Dennett, Chalmers, Churchland, Nagel, and Searle, providing thoughtful and constructive analyses to enhance our understanding.

The second edition of this seminal work has undergone an extensive revision and update, ensuring its relevance to current issues and critiques. New discussions explore key topics such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the concepts of information and representation, conflict monitoring and the executive, minimal states of consciousness, integrated information theory, and global workspace theory. The authors also respond to criticisms of the fundamental arguments presented in the first edition, defending their conclusions with robust reasoning and evidence.

Through their meticulous research and insightful analysis, M.R. Bennett and P.M.S. Hacker have contributed significantly to the field of neuroscience and philosophy. Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between the mind and the brain. This interdisciplinary work encourages us to reevaluate our assumptions and explore new avenues for understanding the complex mechanisms underlying cognition, emotion, and behavior.

In conclusion, Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience is a groundbreaking work that delves into the complexities of neuroscientific and psychological theories, offering a comprehensive critique and exploration of the foundations of modern cognitive neuroscience. Through their interdisciplinary approach, M.R. Bennett and P.M.S. Hacker have shed light on the conceptual challenges encountered in these fields and provided valuable insights into the nature of cognition, emotion, and behavior. This second edition, revised and updated, continues to be a valuable resource for scholars and researchers alike, pushing the boundaries of our understanding and paving the way for future advancements in this field.

Weight: 966g
Dimension: 179 x 243 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119530978
Edition number: 2nd Edition