Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience: A Comprehensive Guide to the Field

Co-authored by M.R. Bennett, a renowned philosopher, and P.M.S. Hacker, a distinguished neuroscientist, the second edition of Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience presents a groundbreaking critique of the conceptual foundations of modern cognitive neuroscience.

A Critical Review of Neuroscientific and Psychological Theories

This seminal work outlines and addresses the conceptual confusions encountered in various neuroscientific and psychological theories, including those of prominent researchers such as Blakemore, Crick, Damasio, Dehaene, Edelman, Gazzaniga, Kandel, Kosslyn, LeDoux, Libet, Penrose, Posner, Raichle, and Tononi. The authors also examine the contributions of psychologists like Baar, Frith, Glynn, Gregory, William James, Weiskrantz, and biologists such as Dawkins, Humphreys, and Young.

The book critiques the philosophical underpinnings of these theories, including the work of philosophers like Dennett, Chalmers, Churchland, Nagel, and Searle. By examining the conceptual entanglements and confusions in these theories, the authors provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary critique of the field.

New Discussions and Insights

This revised and updated edition includes new discussions on:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
• The notions of information and representation
• Conflict monitoring and the executive
• Minimal states of consciousness
• Integrated information theory and global workspace theory

The authors also respond to criticisms of their fundamental arguments posed in the first edition, defending their conclusions on the mereological fallacy, the necessity of distinguishing between empirical and conceptual questions, the mind-body problem, and more.

A Comprehensive Reference Work

Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience is an essential reference work for researchers, students, and scholars involved in the study of the mind and consciousness. This landmark volume:

• Provides a scientifically and philosophically informed survey of the conceptual problems in a wide variety of neuroscientific theories
• Offers a clear and accessible presentation of the subject, minimizing the use of complex philosophical and scientific jargon
• Examines the ways the brain relates to the mind and its impact on the intelligibility of neuroscientific research
• Features fresh insights on mind-body and mind-brain relations, and on the relation between the notion of person and human being
• Includes over 100 new pages, additional diagrams, charts, and tables

With its comprehensive scope, critical analysis, and clarity of presentation, Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience is a must-read for neuroscientists, psychologists, philosophers, and anyone interested in the study of the mind and consciousness.

Publication details:

Published by Wiley-Blackwell, 2nd edition (March 14, 2022)

English, Paperback, 560 pages

ISBN-10: 1119530970, ISBN-13: 978-1119530978