Patricia S. Churchland's Books

On the Contrary

Critical Essays, 1987-1997

By: Paul M. Churchland,Patricia Smith Churchland

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On the Contrary

Critical Essays, 1987-1997

By: Paul M. Churchland,Patricia Smith Churchland

Paul and Patricia Churchland take on their criticsâ__with verve,combativeness, and generosity.

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370

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262531658

ISBN 13

9780262531658

Brain-Wise

Studies in Neurophilosophy

By: Patricia S. Churchland

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Brain-Wise

Studies in Neurophilosophy

By: Patricia S. Churchland

Progress in the neurosciences is profoundly changing our conception of ourselves. Contrary to time-honored intuition, the mind turns out to be a complex of brain functions. And contrary to the wishful thinking of some philosophers, there is no stemming the revolutionary impact that brain research will have on our understanding of how the mind works. Brain-Wise is the sequel to Patricia Smith Churchland's Neurophilosophy, the book that launched a subfield. In a clear, conversational manner, this book examines old questions about the nature of the mind within the new framework of the brain sciences. What, it asks, is the neurobiological basis of consciousness, the self, and free choice? How does the brain learn about the external world and about its own introspective world? What can neurophilosophy tell us about the basis and significance of religious and moral experiences? Drawing on results from research at the neuronal, neurochemical, system, and whole-brain levels, the book gives an up-to-date perspective on the state of neurophilosophy—what we know, what we do not know, and where things may go from here.

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Page Count

491

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

026253200X

ISBN 13

9780262532006

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

By: Patricia Churchland

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Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

By: Patricia Churchland

“Illuminating, entertaining and wise.” —Nicholas A. Christakis, Nature Conscience, a finalist for the PEN / E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award, explores why all social groups have moral systems and how these systems are formed. Distinguished professor Patricia S. Churchland brings together an understanding of the influences of neuroscience, genetics, and physical environment to elucidate how our brains are configured to form bonds and care for children, while also investigating why amoral psychopaths can arise. Churchland then turns to philosophy to understand how morality is transmitted through generations, and why it has become a foundation of all societies. Conscience joins ideas rarely put into dialogue and brings light to a subject that speaks to the meaning of being human.

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190

Publisher

W. W. Norton & Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

1324000902

ISBN 13

9781324000907

On the Contrary

Critical Essays, 1987-1997

By: Paul M. Churchland,Patricia Smith Churchland

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On the Contrary

Critical Essays, 1987-1997

By: Paul M. Churchland,Patricia Smith Churchland

We mean to give our colleagues--or rather, their various philosophical positions--as rough a time as we can responsibly manage."--from the preface Paul and Patricia Churchland are towering figures in the fields of philosophy, neuroscience, and consciousness. This collection was prepared in the belief that the most useful and revealing of anyone's writings are often those much shorter essays penned in conflict with or criticism of one's professional colleagues. The essays present the Churchlands' critical responses to a variety of philosophical positions advanced by some two dozen philosophical theorists, almost all of whom are still living. The book is divided into three parts: part I, Folk Psychology and Eliminative Materialism; part II, Meaning, Qualia, and Emotion: The Several Dimensions of Consciousness; and part III, the Philosophy of Science. V. S. Ramachandran and Rick Grush are coauthors on two of the essays.

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372

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262032546

ISBN 13

9780262032544

Neurophilosophy

Toward a Unified Science of the Mind-brain

By: Patricia Smith Churchland

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Neurophilosophy

Toward a Unified Science of the Mind-brain

By: Patricia Smith Churchland

A Bradford book." Bibliography: p. [491]-523. Includes index.

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566

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262530856

ISBN 13

9780262530859

Brain-Wise

Studies in Neurophilosophy

By: Patricia S. Churchland

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Brain-Wise

Studies in Neurophilosophy

By: Patricia S. Churchland

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Page Count

494

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

026253200X

ISBN 13

9780262532006

The Computational Brain, 25th Anniversary Edition

By: Patricia S. Churchland,Terrence J. Sejnowski

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The Computational Brain, 25th Anniversary Edition

By: Patricia S. Churchland,Terrence J. Sejnowski

An anniversary edition of the classic work that influenced a generation of neuroscientists and cognitive neuroscientists. Before The Computational Brain was published in 1992, conceptual frameworks for brain function were based on the behavior of single neurons, applied globally. In The Computational Brain, Patricia Churchland and Terrence Sejnowski developed a different conceptual framework, based on large populations of neurons. They did this by showing that patterns of activities among the units in trained artificial neural network models had properties that resembled those recorded from populations of neurons recorded one at a time. It is one of the first books to bring together computational concepts and behavioral data within a neurobiological framework. Aimed at a broad audience of neuroscientists, computer scientists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers, The Computational Brain is written for both expert and novice. This anniversary edition offers a new preface by the authors that puts the book in the context of current research. This approach influenced a generation of researchers. Even today, when neuroscientists can routinely record from hundreds of neurons using optics rather than electricity, and the 2013 White House BRAIN initiative heralded a new era in innovative neurotechnologies, the main message of The Computational Brain is still relevant.

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569

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262533391

ISBN 13

9780262533393

Braintrust

What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality

By: Patricia S. Churchland

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Braintrust

What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality

By: Patricia S. Churchland

A provocative new account of how morality evolved What is morality? Where does it come from? And why do most of us heed its call most of the time? In Braintrust, neurophilosophy pioneer Patricia Churchland argues that morality originates in the biology of the brain. She describes the "neurobiological platform of bonding" that, modified by evolutionary pressures and cultural values, has led to human styles of moral behavior. The result is a provocative genealogy of morals that asks us to reevaluate the priority given to religion, absolute rules, and pure reason in accounting for the basis of morality. Moral values, Churchland argues, are rooted in a behavior common to all mammals—the caring for offspring. The evolved structure, processes, and chemistry of the brain incline humans to strive not only for self-preservation but for the well-being of allied selves—first offspring, then mates, kin, and so on, in wider and wider "caring" circles. Separation and exclusion cause pain, and the company of loved ones causes pleasure; responding to feelings of social pain and pleasure, brains adjust their circuitry to local customs. In this way, caring is apportioned, conscience molded, and moral intuitions instilled. A key part of the story is oxytocin, an ancient body-and-brain molecule that, by decreasing the stress response, allows humans to develop the trust in one another necessary for the development of close-knit ties, social institutions, and morality. A major new account of what really makes us moral, Braintrust challenges us to reconsider the origins of some of our most cherished values.

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296

Publisher

Princeton University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0691180970

ISBN 13

9780691180977

The Computational Brain

By: Patricia Smith Churchland,Terrence Joseph Sejnowski

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The Computational Brain

By: Patricia Smith Churchland,Terrence Joseph Sejnowski

The Computational Brain addresses a broad audience: neuroscientists, computer scientists, cognitive scientists, and philosophers. It is written for both the expert and novice. A basic overview of neuroscience and computational theory is provided, followed by a study of some of the most recent and sophisticated modeling work in the context of relevant neurobiological research. Technical terms are clearly explained in the text, and definitions are provided in an extensive glossary. The appendix contains a précis of neurobiological techniques."--Jacket.

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564

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262531208

ISBN 13

9780262531207

Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

By: Patricia Churchland

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Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

By: Patricia Churchland

A trailblazing philosopher’s exploration of the latest brain science—and its ethical and practical implications. What happens when we accept that everything we feel and think stems not from an immaterial spirit but from electrical and chemical activity in our brains? In this thought-provoking narrative—drawn from professional expertise as well as personal life experiences—trailblazing neurophilosopher Patricia S. Churchland grounds the philosophy of mind in the essential ingredients of biology. She reflects with humor on how she came to harmonize science and philosophy, the mind and the brain, abstract ideals and daily life. Offering lucid explanations of the neural workings that underlie identity, she reveals how the latest research into consciousness, memory, and free will can help us reexamine enduring philosophical, ethical, and spiritual questions: What shapes our personalities? How do we account for near-death experiences? How do we make decisions? And why do we feel empathy for others? Recent scientific discoveries also provide insights into a fascinating range of real-world dilemmas—for example, whether an adolescent can be held responsible for his actions and whether a patient in a coma can be considered a self. Churchland appreciates that the brain-based understanding of the mind can unnerve even our greatest thinkers. At a conference she attended, a prominent philosopher cried out, “I hate the brain; I hate the brain!” But as Churchland shows, he need not feel this way. Accepting that our brains are the basis of who we are liberates us from the shackles of superstition. It allows us to take ourselves seriously as a product of evolved mechanisms, past experiences, and social influences. And it gives us hope that we can fix some grievous conditions, and when we cannot, we can at least understand them with compassion.

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345

Publisher

W. W. Norton & Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

0393240630

ISBN 13

9780393240634

Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

By: Patricia Churchland

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Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

By: Patricia Churchland

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345

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W. W. Norton & Company

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ISBN 10

0393240630

ISBN 13

9780393240634

Touching a Nerve

Exploring The Implications Of The Self As Brain

By: Patricia Churchland

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Touching a Nerve

Exploring The Implications Of The Self As Brain

By: Patricia Churchland

Describes the latest research in human brain function, consciousness, sensory experience, and memory, and discusses the ethical and philosophical dilemmas that can result from these new insights.

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Page Count

305

Publisher

W. W. Norton & Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

0393058328

ISBN 13

9780393058321

Braintrust

What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality

By: Patricia S. Churchland

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Braintrust

What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality

By: Patricia S. Churchland

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296

Publisher

Princeton University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0691180970

ISBN 13

9780691180977

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

By: Patricia Churchland

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Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

By: Patricia Churchland

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Page Count

190

Publisher

W. W. Norton & Company

Published Date

ISBN 10

1324000902

ISBN 13

9781324000907

Book's by Patricia S. Churchland

On the Contrary

On the Contrary

Brain-Wise

Brain-Wise

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

On the Contrary

On the Contrary

Neurophilosophy

Neurophilosophy

Brain-Wise

Brain-Wise

The Computational Brain, 25th Anniversary Edition

The Computational Brain, 25th Anniversary Edition

Braintrust

Braintrust

The Computational Brain

The Computational Brain

Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

Touching a Nerve: Our Brains, Our Selves

Touching a Nerve

Touching a Nerve

Braintrust

Braintrust

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition

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