Ways of comprehending : the grand illusion and the essence of being human / Athanassios Fokas, University of Cambridge, UK & University of Southern California, USA.
| Author/creator | Fokas, A. S., 1952- author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | New Jersey : World scientific, [2025] |
| Description | xxxvi, 386 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 23 cm |
| Subjects |
| Portion of title | Grand illusion and the essence of being human |
| Contents | Elements of neurophysiology -- Elements of neuroanatomy -- Perception as the solution of an inverse problem -- From homeostasis and consciousness to rerepresentations : a uniquely human characteristic -- The origin of rerepresentations and language -- The rerepresentations of art, mathematics, computations, and technology -- Heterodynamics and cultural evolution -- Innate knowledge and learning -- Memory and learning -- The neuronal substrates of unconscious processes and conscious experiences -- Details of visual perception -- Light, vision, and art -- The functional imaging techniques of PET and SPECT, and the diagnosis of dementia -- The functional imaging technique of fMRI and an astonishing medical application -- Different types of brain stimulation, Parkinson's Disease, major depression and bipolar disorder -- The interdisciplinary nature of medicine -- Abstraction and generalization are the essential features of mathematics -- How can the problem of consciousness be solved? |
| Abstract | "To comprehend the world around us, we first have to decipher how our brains work. This book outlines a new approach to knowledge and understanding based on the elucidation of several basic neuronal mechanisms. This book explores the crucial fact that unconscious processes and conscious experiences form a continuum, which introduces the concept of 'rerepresentations'. Examples of rerepresentations can be seen in language, mathematics, technology and the arts. This fundamental notion captures the essence of being human, namely what separates us from our evolutionary predecessors. For this reason, an effort has been made to present all notions from first principles, without assuming any background specialized knowledge. Although this volume will be more easily accessible to individuals with a background in sciences and medicine, Ways of Comprehending presents, in an accessible manner, important information which should be common knowledge, but is lacking among the vast majority of scientists, technocrats, and humanities scholars. The interdisciplinary, integrative approach presented in this book implies that different disciplines and notions which appear disconnected, are actually closely related. This approach elucidates how we think about topics such as mathematics, physics, painting, music, and philosophy. More importantly, it helps us understand the origin of our thoughts, feelings and actions. This finally brings deep insight and fulfilment or, more precisely, eudemonia"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 2023039948 |
| ISBN | 9781800615137 hardcover |
| ISBN | 1800615132 hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781800615199 paperback |
| ISBN | 1800615191 paperback |
| ISBN | electronic book for institutions |
| ISBN | electronic book for individuals |
| Standard identifier# | CIPO000061555 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | New Books | QP411 .F65 2025 | ✔ Available | Want This? |