Mind and Brain Sciences in the 21st Century (Bradford Books) [Paperback]

Robert L. Solso (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 26, 1999 | Series: Bradford Books

The approach of the new millennium encourages people to stop and think about where we have been and where we are going. In these essays, all but one written for this book, many of those who have helped to shape the fields of neurocognition, cognitive science, and psychology give their thoughts on the past and future of the science of mind. Ernest R. Hilgard's foreword presents "A Personal View of 20th Century Psychology: With an Eye to the 21st Century." Some of the essays offer specific ideas about what the future may hold, while others prefer the grand overview. Some touch on the philosophical, social, and scientific implications of the science of the mind; a few border on whimsy or science fiction. All are written to be understood by the informed layperson, as well as professionals and students.The authors of the essays describe their visions of what might be, not what is determined to be. A major goal of the volume is to encourage scientists and scholars to consider alternative worlds--to help us to avoid many of the problems of the past and to create a healthier and more humane future.A Bradford Book

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Comprising 16 essays by noted psychologists and brain scientists whose profound thinking is matched by their lucid prose, this volume brings the serious amateur as well as the professional a real appreciation of the state of the field and its future. Solso (psychology, Univ. of Nevada) sets an exemplary standard in editing the papers, all of which are readable and stimulating, and he provides a summary chapter at the end that some readers may find helpful as a beginning. Prediction is hazardous, but the writers?many of the most important names in the field?take risks prudently and with good humor. The three sections deal with consciousness, brain and mind, and psychology (memory, theory, and cognition). The practical impact of the work comes through, especially in "The Memory Trainers" by Gay Snodgrass (the sole woman here), who pursues the idea that we can determine whether and when we will lose essential brain functions as we age. Other topics are less sensational but equally important. Readers will find clear treatments of scientific method, the importance and limits of theory, the difference between the sciences, and the history of psychology. Essential for most libraries.?E. James Lieberman, George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"On the brink of a new millenium, where does our understanding of themind stand? If you want lucid, insightful, sophisticated yetaccessible answers to this question, read this book! An expertlyedited, intellectually appetizing collection that brings togetherfuture visions of those who have helped shape the field of mind/brainsciences in our century..." Guven Guzeldere, Duke University

"Solso has done a great service by gathering these eminent thinkers toprod us into pondering the future." American Scientist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 374 pages
• Publisher: A Bradford Book (February 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262692236
• ISBN-13: 978-0262692236
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,017,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Aging surprisingly well, August 23, 2003

By 

Patrick McCuller "reader" (The Mortal Plane) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mind and Brain Sciences in the 21st Century (Bradford Books) (Hardcover)

The essays in this book are speculative, but most of the book consists of reviews of "where we have been, where we are now" with cautious extrapolations towards the future. There are a few exceptions, but I skimmed them: I'll read a good SF novel instead.

Published in 1996, as a body the essays have aged very well. There has been a great deal of progress in neuroscience in the last decade, and it continues to pace ahead. Still, this is a good book for getting up to speed and virtually every paragraph is easily understood by laymen.

I found four spelling errors in my hardcover copy.