The Ecological Brain: Unifying the Sciences of Brain, Body, and Environment

The Ecological Brain is the first book to integrate ecological psychology and neuroscience using complexity science. It presents the NeuroEcological Nexus Theory (NExT), a unified framework for investigating and explaining cognition, intelligent behavior, and the systems that realize them. By combining ecological psychology, neural population dynamics, and synergetics, NExT offers a comprehensive approach to understanding neural, bodily, and environmental contributions to perception-action and other forms of intelligent behavior.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Ecological Brain is a groundbreaking work that seamlessly integrates the fields of ecological psychology and neuroscience through the application of complexity science. This pioneering book offers a unique framework, the NeuroEcological Nexus Theory (NExT), to unify investigations and explanations of mind that span brain, body, and environment.

In the introductory chapter, the author delves into the historical background of these two disciplines and explores the common perception that they are irreconcilable methods for studying cognition, intelligent behavior, and the systems that underpin them. This sets the stage for the book's central objective: presenting a unified investigative and explanatory framework that applies across neural and ecological scales of inquiry.

By amalgamating the core principles of ecological psychology, neural population dynamics, and synergetics within a comprehensive complexity science approach, NExT provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and explaining the contributions of neural, bodily, and environmental factors to perception-action and other forms of intelligent behavior and thought. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between the brain, body, and environment, paving the way for new insights and advancements in the field.

Throughout the book, the author progresses the conversation around the role of brains in ecological psychology and the reciprocal influence of bodies and environments in neuroscience. This exploration highlights the interconnectedness of these fields and underscores the importance of considering the holistic nature of human experience.

The Ecological Brain is an essential resource for students and scholars in ecological psychology, perception, cognitive sciences, neuroscience, as well as anyone with an interest in the history, philosophy, and state-of-the-art methods and theories of the brain/mind sciences. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective that challenges traditional boundaries and fosters a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between mind, body, and environment.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 177 x 255 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367444723