The Brain as a Tool

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Guillery
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Neural Connections ◽  
Standard Textbook ◽  
The World ◽  
Cortical Hierarchy ◽  
The Brain

We don’t perceive the world and then react to it. We learn to know it from our interactions with it. All inputs that reach the cerebral cortex about events in the brain, the body, or the world bring two messages: one is about these events, the other, travelling along a branch of that input, is an instruction already on its way to execution. This second message, not a part of standard textbook teaching, allows us to anticipate our actions, distinguishing them from the actions of others, and thus providing a clear sense of self. The mammalian brain has a hierarchy of cortical areas, where higher areas monitor actions of lower areas, and each area can modify actions to be executed by the phylogenetically older brain parts. Brains of our premammalian ancestors lacked this hierarchy, but their descendants are still strikingly capable of movement control: frogs can catch flies. The cortical hierarchy itself appears to establish and increase, from lower to higher levels, our conscious access to events. This book explores the neural connections that provide us with a sense of self and generate our conscious experiences. It reveals how much yet needs to be learnt about the relevant neural pathways.

The Empathic Screen

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Gallese ◽  
Michele Guerra
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
The Body ◽  
Embodied Simulation ◽  
Moving Images ◽  
Brain Circuits ◽  
The World ◽  
Close Relationship ◽  
Full Metal Jacket ◽  
Film Experience ◽  
The Brain

Why do people go to the movies? What does it mean to watch a movie? To what extent does our perception of the fictional nature of movies differ from our daily perception of the real world? The authors, a neuroscientist and a film theorist, propose a new multidisciplinary approach to images and film that can provide answers to these questions. According to the authors, film art, based on the interaction between spectators and the world on the screen, and often described in terms of immersion, impressions of reality, simulation, and involvement of the spectator’s body in the fictitious world he inhabits, can be reconsidered from a neuroscientific perspective, which examines the brain and its close relationship to the body. They propose a new model of perception—embodied simulation—elaborated on the basis of neuroscientific investigation, to demonstrate the role played by sensorimotor and affect-related brain circuits in cognition and film experience. Scenes from famous films, like Notorious, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, Persona, The Silence of the Lambs, and Toy Story are described and analyzed according to this multidisciplinary approach, and used as case studies to discuss the embodied simulation model. The aim is to shed new light on the multiple resonance mechanisms that constitute one of the great secrets of cinematographic art, and to reflect on the power of moving images, which increasingly are part of our everyday life.

scholarly journals Human Development IX: A Model of the Wholeness of Man, His Consciousness, and Collective Consciousness

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1454-1459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Søren Ventegodt ◽  
Tyge Dahl Hermansen ◽  
Trine Flensborg-Madsen ◽  
Erik Rald ◽  
Maj Lyck Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Chemistry ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Religious Experience ◽  
The Body ◽  
Collective Consciousness ◽  
Outer World ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
The World ◽  
The Brain

In this paper we look at the rational and the emotional interpretation of reality in the human brain and being, and discuss the representation of the brain-mind (ego), the body-mind (Id), and the outer world in the human wholeness (the I or “soul”). Based on this we discuss a number of factors including the coherence between perception, attention and consciousness, and the relation between thought, fantasies, visions and dreams. We discuss and explain concepts as intent, will, morals and ethics. The Jungian concept of the human collective conscious and unconscious is also analyzed. We also hypothesis on the nature of intuition and consider the source of religious experience of man. These phenomena are explained based on the concept of deep quantum chemistry and infinite dancing fractal spirals making up the energetic backbone of the world. In this paper we consider man as a real wholeness and debate the concepts of subjectivity, consciousness and intent that can be deduced from such a perspective.

Cosmos in the head?

2017 ◽  
pp. 3-28
Author(s):  
Thomas Fuchs
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Lived Body ◽  
Direct Connection ◽  
Outer World ◽  
The World ◽  
Internal Modelling ◽  
Subjective Space ◽  
The Brain

‘Cosmos in the head’ contains a criticism of the neuroconstructivist epistemology, according to which phenomenal reality is to be understood as an internal modelling of the outer world in the brain. As it turns out, the idealistic theory of representation is still the basis of this conception. The criticism emphasizes, in contrast, the enactive character of perception which is always connected with the engagement of the body in the world. In order to show that the subjective space of the lived body is not only virtual, its coextension with the space of the objective body or the entire organism is demonstrated. On this basis, the objectifying achievement of perception, which brings us into direct connection with the world by means of circular interactions, can be recognized. Finally, taking the example of colours, the claim of a mere virtuality of perceived qualities is rejected.

The first cortical circuits: Subplate neurons lead the way and shape cortical organization

Neuroforum ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O. Kanold
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Human Communication ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Neural Connections ◽  
Cortical Organization ◽  
Sensory Experiences ◽  
Subplate Neurons ◽  
The World ◽  
Sensory Cortices

Abstract The cerebral cortex is essential for our sensory experiences and conscious thought. Its neural connections, in particular sensory areas of the cerebral cortex, are shaped and sculpted by our early sensory experiences. Onset of these first sensory experiences of the world mark an important developmental event, enabling our worldy interactions to shape the makeup of our cerebral cortex. These long-lasting effects of early sensory experience are particularly striking in human communication, since early exposure to the mother’s language is required to detect all nuances in the underlying sounds. Early interactions with the world are mediated by a key set of neurons, subplate neurons, which remain part of the developing cerebral cortex until most of them disappear at later stages of development. They play a crucial role in the developing mammalian brain. Here I review the circuitry and functional roles of cortical subplate neurons, focusing on their purpose in the development of primary sensory cortices.

The Neurophysiology of Acupuncture: A Viewpoint

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miltiades Karavis
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Psychiatric Disease ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Enzyme Release ◽  
Pain Syndromes ◽  
Inhibitory Mechanisms ◽  
Electric Injury ◽  
Sensory Neural ◽  
The Brain

Acupuncture is a specialised sensory stimulation that is analysed through sensory neural pathways. Therefore to understand its action we have to analyse the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system, aided with a knowledge of neuroendocrinology and the chemoarchitecture of the brain. Various neural theories have been developed to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture. It is now evident that acupuncture reacts at local, regional (spinal cord) and general (brain) levels. Therefore, inserting one or more needles at particular points (or areas) of the body activates neural pathways on three different levels, provoking local, regional, and general reactions. The local reaction is a multifactorial phenomenon. The electric injury potential due to the needle, the presence and synthesis of opioid peptides at the site of injury, and substance P, histamine like substances, bradikinin, serotonin and proteolitic enzyme release around the needle, all occur during needling. The regional reaction concerns the activation of a larger area (2–3 dermatomes) via reflex arches. We can analyse the viscero-cutaneous, cutaneo-visceral, cutaneo-muscular and viscero-muscular reflexes and also the vegetative, stretch and polysynaptic segmental reflexes. The general reaction mainly activates the brain central mechanism of internal homoeostasis. We can explain the action of acupuncture in acute and chronic pain syndromes, in addiction and in psychiatric disease through the role of central neurotransmitters and the modulatory systems that are activated by acupoints: opioid, non-opioid and central sympathetic inhibitory mechanisms.

scholarly journals Glut1 deficiency syndrome: New and emerging insights into a prototypical brain energy failure disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 263310552110115
Author(s):  
Maoxue Tang ◽  
Umrao R Monani
Keyword(s):  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Glut1 Deficiency ◽  
Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain Energy ◽  
Energy Failure

Considering its small size relative to the rest of the body, the mammalian brain has a disproportionately high energy requirement. This energy is supplied to the brain mainly in the form of glucose through the principal cerebral glucose transporter, Glut1. Inactivation of even a single copy of the Glut1 gene, SLC2A1, has dire consequences for the brain, starving cerebral neurons of energy and triggering the debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder, Glut1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1 DS). Considering the monogenic nature of Glut1 DS, the disease serves as an excellent paradigm to study the larger family of brain energy failure syndromes. Here we review how studies of Glut1 DS are proving instructive to the brain’s energy needs, focusing first on the requirements, both spatial and temporal of the transporter, second, on proposed mechanisms linking low Glut1 to brain dysfunction and, finally on efforts to treat the disease and thus restore nutritional support to the brain. These studies promise not only to inform mechanisms and treatments for the relatively rare Glut1 DS but also the myriad other conditions involving the Glut1 protein.

scholarly journals A Review on Neuronutrition

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aruthra Devi ◽  
Rita Narayanan
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
The Body ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
The World ◽  
Human Need ◽  
The Brain

Nutrition is a basic human need and a prerequisite to a healthy life. Since it is bonded with food, it is essential to advocate nutrition in terms of food. A proper diet is important from the very early stages (gestation period) of life for proper growth and development. Neuronutrition portrays how food affects the brain and its function. Brain is where the performances begin and end. It monitors and controls all the energy metabolism of the body and it never stops working. Neuronutrition is the nutrition needed to achieve healthy brain and good neurocognitive function. Dietary manipulations are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities and protecting the brain from damage. No single food is key to good brain health but rather a combination of food. Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, mental fatigue, and memory problems are prevalent across the world, and this opens the door to provide tailormade products which cater to consumer's desire for better neuronutrition.

scholarly journals A siket jelnyelv jelentősége a kommunikációs kultúra átalakulásának tükrében

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Balázs Kékesi ◽  
Attila Márton Farkas
Keyword(s):  
Embodied Cognition ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Sign Language ◽  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Deaf People ◽  
The World ◽  
Embodied Cognitive Science ◽  
The Brain

A megtestesült kogníció hipotézisre építő kognitív nyelvészet szemszögéből vizsgálva a siket jelnyelv éppoly komplex és természetes nyelv, mint bármely beszélt nyelv. Ebben a megközelítésben a gesztusnyelv és a szónyelv szemantikáját egyaránt meghatározza az agy-test-környezet interakció. A környezetben történő számtalan cselekvési szituáció kognitív szinten rögzülő konzekvenciái, továbbá az interaktív szituációk szimulatív rekonstrukciója kulcsszerepet játszik a nyelvi kommunikáció és megértés folyamataiban. A tanulmány a megtestesült kogníció kutatásra támaszkodva a testhasználat és a nyelvhasználat közti szoros kapcsolatot mutatja be, majd a szituált konceptualizáció tézisének alapján a siket jelnyelv és a szónyelv közötti azonos szerkezeti alapok mellett hoz érveket. A tanulmány célja a siketekkel szembeni negatív előítéletek rombolása a kortárs kognitív tudomány segítségével, rámutatva arra, hogy a jelnyelv korántsem kezdetleges és fejletlen a szónyelvhez képest, sőt, a siket jelnyelvi kifejezések mutatják meg igazán, hogyan is működik a nyelv maga. Továbbá rámutatunk arra, hogy a vizuális természetű gesztusnyelv kognitív nyelvészeti megközelítése közelebb vihet az információs társadalomban egyre nagyobb szerepet kapó képi kommunikáció működésének jobb megértéséhez. --- The significance of deaf sign language within the context of communication culture’s transformation It seems clear when investigating sign language and verbal languages from the perspective of embodied cognition hypotheses based cognitive linguistics that both kinds of languages are natural. In this approach, the semantics of sign and verbal languages are equally assigned by the brain-body-environment interaction. The cognitive consequences of the numerous interactions with the world, and the cognitive ability to simulate those interactions in off-line mode, de-coupled from the environment, are crucial for gaining an understanding of communication and meaning. This paper throws light on the connection between the body and language from the perspective of embodied cognitive science, and argues that situated conceptualization is the most suitable thesis to understand the semantics of both sign and verbal languages. An additional aim of the paper is to help to reduce prejudice against deaf people by demonstrating that deaf sign language is far from being primitive, and moreover, it will show that sign language can facilitate a better understanding of how verbal languages really work. Keywords: embodied cognition, cognitive linguistics, conceptualization, sign language, prejudices

scholarly journals Brain in a Vat or Body in a World: Brainbound Versus Enactive View of Experience

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan Thompson ◽  
Diego Cosmelli
Keyword(s):  
Thought Experiment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Living Body ◽  
The World ◽  
Neuronal Processes ◽  
Argument Proceeds ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain In A Vat ◽  
Embodied Agent

We argue that the minimal biological requirements for consciousness include a living body, not just neuronal processes in the skull. Our argument proceeds by reconsidering the brain-in-a-vat thought experiment. Careful examination of this thought experiment indicates that the null hypothesis is that any adequately functional “vat” would be a surrogate body, that is, that the so-called vat would be no vat at all, but rather an embodied agent in the world. Thus, what the thought experiment actually shows is that the brain and body are so deeply entangled, structurally and dynamically, that they are explanatorily inseparable. Such entanglement implies that we cannot understand consciousness by considering only the activity of neurons apart from the body, and hence we have good explanatory grounds for supposing that the minimal realizing system forconsciousness includes the body and not just the brain. In this way, we put the brain-in-a-vat thought experiment to a new use, one that supports the “enactive” view that consciousness is a life-regulation process of the wholeorganism interacting with its environment.

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