Neurophilosophy: Toward a Unified Science of the Mind-Brain
This profound, exhaustive, and well-written scholarly work is an excellent introduction to neuroscience from a philosopher's point of view. It traces the history of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and neuropsychology, then treats issues in the philosophy of science, such as the mind/body problem and non-dualistic reductionism. Finally, it reviews and discusses interesting current developments in neurobiology and artificial intelligence. In demonstrating the relevancy of neuroscience to philosophy, Churchland (Philosophy, Univ. of California, San Diego) argues that mental processes are brain processes, that the theoretical construct blending neuroscience and psychology surpasses folk psychology, and that detailed knowledge of the organization and structure of nervous systems is necessary for the evolution of an adequate theory of the mind/brain.
