The self illusion

Name: The self illusion
Author: Bruce Hood
ISBN: 9780199897599

by Bruce Hood (2012)

Read Free Sample Buy on Amazon Audible Free Trial

About this book

Most of us believe that we are unique and coherent individuals, but are we? The idea of a "self" has existed ever since humans began to live in groups and become sociable. Those who embrace the self as an individual in the West, or a member of the group in the East, feel fulfilled and purposeful. This experience seems incredibly real but a wealth of recent scientific evidence reveals that this notion of the independent, coherent self is an illusion - it is not what it seems. Reality as we perceive it is not something that objectively exists, but something that our brains construct from moment to moment, interpreting, summarizing, and substituting information along the way. Like a science fiction movie, we are living in a matrix that is our mind. In The Self Illusion, Dr. Bruce Hood reveals how the self emerges during childhood and how the architecture of the developing brain enables us to become social animals dependent on each other. He explains that self is the product of our relationships and interactions with others, and it exists only in our brains. The author argues, however, that though the self is an illusion, it is one that humans cannot live without. But things are changing as our technology develops and shapes society. The social bonds and relationships that used to take time and effort to form are now undergoing a revolution as we start to put our self online. Social networking activities such as blogging, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter threaten to change the way we behave. Social networking is fast becoming socialization on steroids. The speed and ease at which we can form alliances and relationships is outstripping the same selection processes that shaped our self prior to the internet era. This book ventures into unchartered territory to explain how the idea of the self will never be the same again in the online social world. - Publisher's description.

Setting / LocationGlobal

Story EraModern Era

Protagonist / CoreThe self illusion Lead Character

Themes & Moods

Art & Photography Brain Self Cognition Self Concept Modern Era

Readers who enjoyed this also loved

Concussive brain trauma

Rolland S. Parker

"Continuing the tradition of the bestselling first edition, this second edition provides comprehensive coverage of neurobehavioral disorders in children and adults following impact and acceleration accidents. Completely revised and updated, the book includes comprehensive coverage of consciousness including normal, acute, and persistent alterations. Drawing on his training, education, and experience in human physiology, neuroanatomy, and endocrinology, the author not only gives readers a solid foundation for understanding, diagnosing, and treating concussive brain trauma, but also gives them tools to increase standards of care"--Provided by publisher.

Children's cognitive and language development

Victor Lee and Prajna Das Gupta

Children's Cognitive and Language Development gives a detailed coverage of the period from middle childhood to adolescence. The first chapter introduces the major theoretical influences on modern studies of cognitive development, setting the scene for more detailed analyses of these and other theories. In the following chapters both classical and modern developmental research in a variety of areas are covered including language, intelligence, drawing, and mathematical and scientific thinking. Compared to standard texts, the scope of the book is considerable, including the influence of current trends such as constructivist theories. In addition, specially commissioned chapters by leading researchers in the field provide different, more specialized perspectives. Readers are encouraged to take a critical, interactive stance throughout.

Style

Gottfried Semper

"The enduring influence of the architect Gottfried Semper (1803-79) derives less from his monumental buildings in Dresden, Zurich, and Vienna than from his Style in the Technical and Tectonic Arts (1860-63). Semper's landmark survey of the motives giving rise to the technical arts (textiles, ceramics, carpentry, masonry) explores the symbolic and material preconditions of style. An extended inquiry into the inner principles of artistic form, this work radically altered the intellectual field for aesthetics and art history and stands as a vital document in the consolidation of modern architectural theory."--BOOK JACKET.

Parkinson's disease

Manuchair Ebadi, Ronald F. Pfeiffer

A new optimism that Parkinson's disease can be defeated is energizing the research community. Halting the progression of the disease, restoring function, and even prevention are all realistic goals. This comprehensive volume provides state-of-the-art information on all aspects of Parkinson's disease, including epidemiology, genetics, diagnosis, treatment, and social issues. Novel and attractive models are included to simplify difficult-to-understand concepts, with emphasis on therapeutics. Written by leaders in the field, Parkinson's Disease emphasizes both the importance of early diagnosis and the search for more effective therapies.