The Emerging Mind: Reith lectures 2003

by V.S. Ramachandran

A scintillating introduction to the latest thinking on the brain and the mind by the world's leading expert. Neuroscience can now begin to unlock the key to the self. Our knowledge of the brain has progressed so rapidly that it will change the way we think of ourselves as human beings. It will change our notion of understanding. This is a revolution which will have impact on all our lives. Neuroscientists are gathering new empirical evidence about consciousness and human nature; they are picking up where the great earlier thinkers like Freud, Darwin, Charcot and others began. This evidence begins to give substance to some of the grand statements and intuitive leaps made in the nineteenth and early twentieth century about the nature of the self.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Neuroscience, Psychology, Philosophy, Brain, Medicine

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 24, 2005

About the author

Vilayanur S. "Rama" Ramachandran is a neurologist best known for his work in the fields of behavioral neurology and psychophysics. He is currently the Director of the Center for Brain and Cognition, Professor in the Psychology Department and Neurosciences Program at the University of California, San Diego, and Adjunct Professor of Biology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

Ramachandran initially obtained an M.D. at Stanley Medical College in Madras, India, and subsequently obtained a Ph.D. from Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. Ramachandran’s early work was on visual perception but he is best known for his experiments in behavioral neurology which, despite their apparent simplicity, have had a profound impact on the way we think about the brain.

Ramachandran has been elected to fellowships at All Souls College, Oxford, and the Royal Institution, London (which also awarded him the Henry Dale Medal). He gave the 2003 BBC Reith Lectures and was conferred the title of Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 2007. He has been called “The Marco Polo of neuroscience” by Richard Dawkins and "the modern Paul Broca" by Eric Kandel. Newsweek magazine named him a member of "The Century Club", one of the "hundred most prominent people to watch" in the 21st century.

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilayanu...

Reviews

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read something by Ramachandran for a couple of years – ever since I read The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science and 50 Psychology Classics. I hadn’t realised he had given the Reith Lectures in 2003 – and so I’ve listened to them (they are available here http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/reith2003/)

They do make fascinating listening and he is often very funny. He clearly knew his audience – this line for example: ‘Now clearly laughter is hard-wired, it's a "universal" trait. You see it every society, every civilization, every culture, society, has some form of laughter and humour - except the Germans.’ Naturally, the English audience lapped this up.

There are interesting asides throughout this series, particularly about how the size we make of our mouths when we say words often relates to the size of the objects being discussed (compare your mouth when you say 'teeny tiny' and 'enormous'. There are also interesting speculations on the role of art and what makes things appear ‘beautiful’ or at least fascinating in painting. He also goes over how he 'cured' the pain in phantom limbs – it really does take a very special kind of genius to have ideas like that.

But for me the most interesting part of this lecture series is the lecture on the relationship between synesthesia and metaphor. Synesthesia is an odd ability certain people have that allows them to see words or numbers in colour. First, he proves that certain people actually do have this ability in an interesting inversion of the colour blindness test – where he has a page full of fives and only a couple of twos placed on a page – however, the twos are arranged in a pattern, generally a square, a triangle or a circle. If people really do see fives and twos as different colours the shape these numbers make on the page should jump out at them – whereas for the rest of us it should take more effort to ‘see the pattern’. This, in fact, turns out to be the case.

However, his point is much more interesting than merely the fact that certain people aren't crazy. He speculates that being able to make connections between colours and numbers is an interesting foretaste and stepping stone in the evolution of metaphor and language generally. The evolution of language is something that does need some sort of explanation – he gives a nice history of attempts by biologists to explain it (from Wallace saying language was too complex to have evolved and should therefore be blamed on God, through Chomsky saying much the same, via Pinker saying it evolved, but not being sure just how). Again, Ramachandran provides some interesting speculations on how language may have evolved, mostly based on onomatopoeia and other similar identities of sound to meaning or sensation to meaning processes. I would need to read more about this, but given that proto-languages no longer exist these may well always remain interesting speculations.

A lot of this is very interesting. It is well worth a look.

[Jaymee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise version of Ramachandran's "Phantoms in the Brain." This book is almost exactly the same. Read the other book for a more in-depth analysis of Ramachandran's neurological theories and studies. Also, this book is exactly the same as "A Brief Tour of Human Consciousness." I don't know why all 3 books are published in different titles but with all the same content.

[julia annie mi · Rating 2 out of 5]

very interesting, but the way it's written was a bit too messy :(

[Kavya Srinivasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZING. Insightful and a light enough read for me to read more non-fiction after this, which is a rare enough feeling for me

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on his 2003 Reith Lectures, The Emerging Mind is a introduction to the wonders of neuroscience - where it is and where it may eventually lead. Ramachandran starts by explaining the importance of case studies in decoding the mysteries of the brain. In that sense, we can learn alot about a normal functioning brain by studying an "abnormal" one.

Nothing mind blowing here if you're even remotely familiar with the topic, however what makes this rather short book worth reading is Ramachandran's ideas about where the science is leading and how we might get there.

The suggestion that improved understanding of the brain will bridge the gaps between the fields of science and humanities is a repeating theme and thus his last chapter is aptly titled Neuroscience - the new philosophy. He also discusses the scientific basis for good art in Chapter 3, where he offers some provocative speculation about why some art is good, purely from the brain's perspective.

This is a quick and easy read by one of the field's most respected members that I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in brain science but not necessarily a PhD. In addition to the fact that the lectures were meant to be accessible to the masses, there are extensive notes for those wishing to learn more about various topics mentioned as well as a helpful glossary at the end of the book.

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ramachandran has made a revolutionay attempt to present to the laymen in neuroscience the way we think, why we think, and how our thinking culminates into into action. He reveals the the working of our brain and how it is influenced by our thoughts. He tries to show that many-a-times pain is a illution to the brain... which he calls learnt illution..

[Nishita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice read. I especially liked the chapter on 'what is art' and why human beings appreciate art.

[PP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had read this book when I was a student of Psychology; in a trice, VSR changes the paradigm of all that conventional theory talks about! Enlightening!

[Hector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edición española: "Los laberintos del cerebro", publicado por 'La liebre de marzo' e incorrectamente registrado en Goodreads con un autor que no existe.
V. S. Ramachandran nos invita a través de cinco clases magistrales a un viaje apasionante a la mente que emerge a través de diversos experimentos, muchos casos únicos y mucha conjetura.
1. Fantasmas en el cerebro.
Conferencia introductoria que asienta las bases de lo que veremos en las siguientes, nos indica en esta clase el punto de partida y se establecen y delimitan áreas cerebrales que serán de relevancia para exponer las ideas de Ramachandran.
2. Creer es ver.
Ideas fundamentales que nos ponen en perspectiva el capítulo 5 del libro. Tal y como reza el título del libro hay casos únicos estudiados por R. en los que se pone de manifiesto que hay áreas del cerebro especializadas en el procesamiento de imagen y lo que ello conlleva (hasta el punto de no creer que exista una parte de nuestro cuerpo - casi lo contrario que los 'fantasmas en el cerebro).
3. El cerebro artístico.
Conjeturas desarrolladas de los principios de la mente artística propuestos por el propio autor.
4. Números púrpura y queso fuerte.
En este capítulo se apunta a los principios evolutivos del desarrollo del lenguaje en nuestra especie. Contiene conjeturas que parten de casos de sinestesia para invitarnos a la suposición de que la mezcla de ideas en el cerebro es algo sumamente útil.
5. Neurociencia: la nueva filosofía.
Capítulo sobre como la neurociencia puede responder a preguntas filosóficas tan fundamentales como el 'sí mismo'.

[j j · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the book per se, but listened to the audio recordings of the lecture.

Despite the jocular and witty style of his presentation it was kind of scary to know that a slight misfiring or remapping in a lump of grey matter could alter our personality to such an extent of us failing to recognize and connect with our friends, family or even with ourselves. My relative ignorance of the topographical layout of Brain-land didn’t prevent me from enjoying and understanding the lectures. The explanations and experimental setups are clear and he follows a process of logical deduction not unlike the Holmesian method in Doyle’s tales. The devisal and use of simple experiments to study one of the most complex pieces of biological organ is truly amazing and reminiscent of thought experiments used by classical physicists.

[隻眼簽到 · Rating 5 out of 5]

拉瑪是我佩服的科學家，治病、理論都很有一套。比較煩的是他想用神經科學取代哲學，雖然他的思路方法都很清晰，但我很想勸他放下。大腦神經科學已經很好了，使很多陳見或街談巷議、人云亦云得到科學的合理解釋，大大提升我們的認知能力，真做到了the ascent of man。哲學，就留給整個社會去「造」吧！本書的方法論是由大腦壞掉的地方，看出大腦真正的工作方式。只能說，很生動，說服力極強！當然，照例我還是要質疑一下的。第一，他認為語言中的「句法」結構與製造工具的過程可以類比，是由後者「映射」(或跳線)過去的。這過程我感覺是麻煩。我覺得在語言發展之初，先有名詞，然後「句法」可以由人與人的手勢溝通，肢體互動等，很自然的建構出來。根本無需製造工具的曲折類比。第二，他認為藝術是為了傳遞狩獵技巧。我覺得有點不足。因為不能解釋壁畫常在深遂幽密的洞穴裡。這裡有個誤區，是我們一般都把原始部落視為一個圑結的整體。但我認為應該把階級對立，統治與被統治的關係放進視野。傳遞狩獵技巧或其他什麼的(儀式、祈禱、咒術等)，主打的是「秘傳」。是統治階級的薪火相傳，不是普通成員可以接觸的。這樣說才比較完整。此外，他說自閉症之學者症候群的「天賦」，是某塊神經區域因為isolation，不受其他「高級」功能，如語言(或情感)牽制，所以得以超常發揮(超級專注)的結果。雖然據說這個觀點還不能解釋所有的學者症候群，但我卻覺得很合理。或許有些學者症候群不能稱為學者症候群，所以才不能完全解釋吧。最後，本書是扣緊演化的，並認為講生物的什麼東西，脫離演化就沒有意義。我很同意這點！

[Wayne Yang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing survey and accessibility for the general reader. Some of the science and research seems a little outdated but the questions that it explores very much remains. I particularly like the last chapter hinting at the implications and exploration of philosophy given what we now know in neuroscience!

[Praveen PA · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea behind the book is great. But the translation is so worst. Even google translator would translate much better than this. For those who wish to read this I recommend to check the original version in English.

[Mia Sukumaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very interesting (and funny) but a lot of information was in the notes section at the end, which made it difficult to read.

If you plan on reading this book check the notes as you go through!

[Srinivash Ram · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not something that the book type of very raw and dry facts and functions of a brain and neuroscience. Author will discuss with you, he will ask you questions.. and he will laugh with you.. reading this book is like a little journey into the brain. Anyone can easily understand.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, would love to read again as its been a number of years, but I remember it being extremely thought-provoking. Some super interesting points and references for people interested in neuroscience/neuropsychology

[Nikitha Reddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating, if speculative at points. Better heard than read - if only for VS Ramachandran's rolled Rs.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00g...

[Prasanna Poubady · Rating 5 out of 5]

intrest to read

[BALAKUMAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super

[Suman]

அருமையான புத்தகம்

[Sri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Deep insight into how the human brain works. Interesting to read with lots of real life case studies. The chapter on art helped me reshape my approach to painting and illustration.

[Amrish Vasudhevan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based on Dr. V. Ramachandran lectures on neuroscience. Though most of these contents were already been covered in his previous books like "The tell tale Brain" and "Phantoms in the Brain", this book helped me refresh through it.

This book explains about the inner workings of brain that was written in layman terms. Dr. Ramachandran starts explaining his experiences with his patient's neurological problems and tries to analyse the root cause of these problems which might have triggered from the patient's brain. That actually helps understanding the integral part that the brain is taking in our everday life.

He covers many topics like arts and aesthetics, evolution of human brains, free will, qualia, consiousness and so on with respect to brain. Many neurological phenomena's were discussed to provide good understanding of one's Self which would prove that it is just an illusion created by the brain itself.

I believe Neuroscience is best explained in his books. I would recommand this to everyone who wants to know How brain works?!

It was great read.

[Ramakalyan Ayyagari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even after 10 years I consult this book to reinforce my ideas. I am a control theorist and a (Indian) classical musicologist. Neurosciences is generally at the peripherals of my research (Intelligent Control), and often I ask myself - why are we, the system theorists in particular, the scientists as well as the artists, more generally, so much obsessed with bringing in some order? At the same time, why are we are disgusted to see a garden full of roses? We would prefer to perceive a thick forest as a garden of variety.

Awesome lectures by Dr VS. Quite often his 10 universal laws of art - peak shift, grouping,..., abhorrence of coincidence, rhythm, ..., balance, and metaphor - fly across my mind.

[Sumanth Ƀharadwaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book by Rama is spectacular not only for the brilliant research but the simplicity and eloquence. He is really standing on the shoulder's of giants in this one as he goes over the ideas of many brilliant thinkers!

[Aravind P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a pulpy jelly like mass, hardly 1 Kg, but that which can comprehend the meaning of 0, infinity, god, about comprehending itself trying to comprehend the meaning of infinity. The most amazing and elusive mystery of the world - Brain!

[Seawood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good summary of neuroscience for the non-specialist, as you'd expect from the Reith lectures. It's certainly engaging - Ramachandran has great style - but there's a little too much speculation towards the end for my taste (but again, this is what you'd expect from these lectures).

[Prasad GR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a whole new perspective to everything & most importantly, this surely does make one think! Science cannot be made simpler.

[Teja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just skimmed through the book after listening to one of Ramachandran's talks. A very interesting read, but most points have been covered in some talk or the other.

[Sonia Murthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this book (or at least give it a try). I have read this book numerous times, can't seem to get enough. Mesmerizing, captivating, incredible.

[Haripriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesmerizing! Captivating.!