William Uttal is concerned that in an effort to prove itself a hard science, psychology may have thrown away one of its most important methodological tools-a critical analysis of the fundamental assumptions that underlie day-to-day empirical research. In this book Uttal addresses the question of localization: whether psychological processes can be defined and isolated in a way that permits them to be associated with particular brain regions. New, noninvasive imaging technologies allow us to observe the brain while it is actively engaged in mental activities. Uttal cautions, however, that the excitement of these new research tools can lead to a neuroreductionist wild goose chase. With more and more cognitive neuroscientific data forthcoming, it becomes critical to question their limitations as well as their potential. Uttal reviews the history of localization theory, presents the difficulties of defining cognitive processes, and examines the conceptual and technical difficulties that should make us cautious about falling victim to what may be a "neo-phrenological" fad.
| ISBN: | 9780262710107 |
| Publication date: | 4th February 2003 |
| Author: | William R Uttal |
| Publisher: | The MIT Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 255 pages |
| Series: | Life and Mind : Philosophical Issues in Biology and Psychology |
| Genres: |
Psychology: states of consciousness |
William Uttal is concerned that in an effort to prove itself a hard science, psychology may have thrown away one of its most important methodological tools-a critical analysis of the fundamental assumptions that underlie day-to-day empirical research. In this book Uttal addresses the question of localization: whether psychological processes can be defined and isolated in a way that permits them to be associated with particular brain regions. New, noninvasive imaging technologies allow us to observe the brain while it is actively engaged in mental activities. Uttal cautions, however, that the excitement of these new research tools can lead to a neuroreductionist wild goose chase. With more and more cognitive neuroscientific data forthcoming, it becomes critical to question their limitations as well as their potential. Uttal reviews the history of localization theory, presents the difficulties of defining cognitive processes, and examines the conceptual and technical difficulties that should make us cautious about falling victim to what may be a "neo-phrenological" fad.
The New Phrenology features in the following genres: Psychology: states of consciousness
The New Phrenology is available in Paperback
The New Phrenology was written by William R Uttal and published by The MIT Press
The New Phrenology has 255 pages
Yes it is part of Life and Mind : Philosophical Issues in Biology and Psychology series