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The Private Life of the Brain

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( 430 ratings, 25 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Private Life of the Brain by Baroness Susan Greenfield delves into the complex interplay between human emotion and consciousness through a neuroscientific lens. The book explores how subjective experiences are deeply rooted in the biological processes of the brain, providing insights into how brain chemistry can influence personality and behaviour. It draws on both scientific research and philosophical ideas to examine the biological foundations of emotions, highlighting the intricate connections between mind and brain.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the intricate connections between neuroscience and everyday life. It offers insightful perspectives on how our brain governs emotions, thoughts, and personal identity, making it perfect for anyone curious about the intersection of science and self-discovery.

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As our minds develop we create a personalized inner world based on our experiences. But during periods of intense emotion, such as anger, fear or euphoria, we can literally lose our mind, returning to the mental state we experienced as infants. This book intends to answer how our unique sense of self is created.

This title is published as part of "Penguins for Science Week 2002".

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As our knowledge of the brain grows beyond the wildest expectations, the time is ripe to explore pleasure in terms of the workings of the mind. Pleasure is the most marvellous sensation, the most prized state, but also, properly understood, the most basic type of consciousness.

Understanding pleasure suggests new ways of understanding consciousness itself by looking at the neurological character of our most primitive emotions. In this volume, Susan Greenfield explains various mysteries: for example, how different experiences give rise to similar sensations in the mind, such as those experienced via sport, raves, or orgasm; the workings of recreational drugs; and the neurological character of pleasure, which reveals a complex, close relationship to feelings of fear (for example, the appeal of the rollercoaster).

The Private Life of the Brain offers insights into the mind's intricate landscape, highlighting the interplay between pleasure and fear, and inviting readers to ponder the neurological underpinnings of our most profound sensations.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Private Life of the Brain by Baroness Susan Greenfield explores the inner workings of the human brain and its role in crafting individual experiences and emotions. Reviews frequently highlight her engaging writing style and the accessibility of complex scientific concepts. Commentators often praise the book's insightful exploration of consciousness, noting Greenfield's unique ability to blend scientific research with philosophical perspectives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141007205

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 February 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 201g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Susan Greenfield is a leading neuroscientist based at the Laboratory of Pharmacology, Oxford. In 1994 she was the first woman to give the annual Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. She is the presenter for BBC2's Brain Story.

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