The Evolving Brain: The Mind and the Neural Control of Behavior

by C.H. Vanderwolf

This book presents a series of essays on neuroscientific aspects of human nature and instinctive behavior, individually acquired (learned) behavior, human bipedal locomotion, voluntary movement, and the general problem of how the brain controls behavior. The author argues that concepts of the mind based on ancient Greek philosophy are past usefulness, and that modern animal behavior studies provide a better guide to the functional organization of the brain.

Genres: Psychology

113 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Psipsipsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a retired Professor of Experimental Psychology who has published extensively in his carrer mainly on the recording of brain electrrical activity in rats. He strongly and eloquently champions the Behaviourist case against the Mentalist theory of mind. He weaves a a fascinating story of the evolution of the brain and the instinctual patterns of behaviour that seem to be fairly hard-wired within. He argues that nearly the whole brain initiates motor activity, and that the labelled motor areas are a recent evolution associated with fine motor control. His accounts of movement disorders in Parkinson's disease are new to me, but so obviously correct.
I have a Psychology degree from the behaviourist days and a fair grasp of brain structure. At parts I would have been struggling without that knowledge. But for anybody who is wrapped up in the Mentalist theory of mind, this masterly book would be a great challenge to your thoughts and an excellent education.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as usual, Dad.