Mapping the Mind
I just bought Mapping the Mind by Rita Carter last week. The author's intent didn't seem as such, but the chill was no less when I read these words:
When our brain maps are complete, however, it will be possible to target psychoactive treatments so finely that an individual's state of mind (and thus behavior) will be almost entirely malleable...
It is an interesting book, giving a very balanced and yet introductory discussion of neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, neuropsychology and neurobiology. What would drive me of all people to this book? Towards the middle of this year I found myself dialoging with people about the idea of conciousness and whether our mind is the originator of it or if it is a incorporeal spiritual entity, outside the realm of science.
The philosophers with whom I found myself having this discussion tended towards dualism (follow the link for detail), substance dualism in particular. Essentially the meat of their position is that the mind is a separate spiritual entity from the body.
It had never occured to me that one would study this as philosophy with no scientific context associated with it. Even the basics of neuroanatomy should be understood, surely, before one attempts to conclusively state that mental causation in a non-physical entity (soul/mind) can give rise to the physical.
If I were to study this subject seriously, I'd probably lean towards the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University. There are quite a few publications you can wade through (with a layman's concerted effort).
Stuff that piqued my interest...
6:05:46 PM 
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