Integrative Neuroscience: Bringing Together Biological, Psychological and Clinical Models of the Human Brain

Rating:
Summary: SFRA Yugoslavia:"A complicated matter given with simplicity"
Review: A fabulous book...Got me out of the mess I was into trying to combine all different aspects of monitoring the functions of our brain! As a medical student someone has to have full knowledge of neuroanatomy and human brain. No other medical book though..gave me the opportunity to explore as I wished,the complexity given with simplicity! Very taken care of edition! I am glad I trusted my instinct and so will any other student that needs to see things completely organized for not wasting his precious time in Grays,Fitzeralds and other respected guys!!! Trust me...

Rating:
Summary: A THEORIST WITHOUT DEEP MATHEMATICAL INSIGHT IS A STRAW MAN
Review: A theorist without deep mathematical insight is a straw man. This book epitomizes a steady trend away from physics type compartmental modeling and clearly advocates a more in-depth mathematical appraisal. A truly integrated neuroscience can only be "integrative" through a foundation of mathematical theory. The basis for integrative neuroscience as reflected in the book, does not depend upon any specific model but the contents serve as one exemplar. An integration of theory, central and autonomic measures and a spectrum of new analyses. I was impressed with the books coercion towards computation and open acceptance of neural Darwinism (most cognitive folk are firmly opposed to a non computational brain!). Unless theoretical foundation of brain science is developed through integrative neuroscience paradigm people working in so-called computational fields (e.g., computational neuroscience, neurocomputing) will simulate brain function through empirical and possibly fictitious ways in order to circumvent the unavailability of a theory resulting in the "toy" models of reality. In the long run there needs to be an alternative approach which integrates microscopic models with macroscopic models in a way which ensures continuity. Neurocomputing and computational neuroscience do not represent such views. Integrative neuroscience dispenses with computationalism and computational functionalism, and Walter Freeman's chapter epitomizes this trend forward.