There is an awful lot going on in these pages. It covers physiology, psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience among many other subjects and it does the whole thing smoothly and in a way that is easy for a non expert to follow. I have no experience in any of those but I found this a fascinating look at a very complex topic. What do we ‘see’ when we ‘see’ something and how do I know that what I’m seeing is the same thing you’re seeing? And how come a small bunch of atoms in my hand that could be called a flower, agitates/excites another load of atoms in a series of cells etc and I’m ‘seeing’ a flower. It’s all explained and it is an excellent way for a beginner to pick up a few ideas and learn some of the crucial language.

The drawings are interspersed to give pause and allow the reader a moment to think on what they’re reading. Plus the many, many examples of people whose brains don’t operate how they should give clear illustrations of how we ‘know’ things about our brains.

I enjoyed this and it would make a great gift for anyone interested in consciousness and how we perceive things.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

A great beginner's overview into the complexities of the neuroscience of perception, giving an accurate introduction in layman's terms.

This book tells of an ambitious exploration of the complex processes by which the brain constructs our conscious experience. The authors, both well-established figures in neuroscience and cognitive science, aim at bridging the gap between chaotic neural activity and the coherent, stable perception of reality we experience.

I approached this book with an interest in the treatment of complex systems, specifically how the brain's chaotic neural dynamics can give rise to the stable patterns we recognise as consciousness. The book does a commendable job of explaining how chaotic systems in the brain - characterised by seemingly random or unpredictable neural firings - can stabilise into coherent mental states through mechanisms such as neural plasticity and feedback loops.

However, the authors provide a broad overview of the mathematical principles underlying chaos and stability and often stop short of delving into the intricate mathematical models that could better support their arguments. For an audience with a strong background in mathematics or theoretical physics, this can be a point of frustration, as the complex interactions between chaotic systems and stable patterns are presented in a somewhat simplified manner.

One of the book's strengths is its interdisciplinary approach. The authors successfully integrate insights from neuroscience, cognitive science, and philosophy of mind, creating a rich tapestry that offers a comprehensive view of consciousness. The discussions on how neural patterns stabilise to create a coherent sense of self and reality are compelling, particularly when they touch on philosophical implications regarding the nature of consciousness and the self.

The authors also address how these processes are fundamental to learning and memory, making connections to educational theory and the ways in which stability in neural processes is necessary for the acquisition and retention of knowledge. This connection to educational practice is particularly interesting from the perspective of maths education, where the stability of conceptual frameworks is essential for effective learning.

The authors are adept at explaining complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, making this book suitable for a broad audience, including those without a strong background in neuroscience or mathematics. The narrative is engaging, and the authors use analogies and real-world examples effectively to illustrate their points. This accessibility is a significant strength, particularly for readers who are new to the field of cognitive science.

I enjoyed this physiology/neuroscience general reader book. It felt a bit like lectures converted to chapters. I loved the illustrations. It gave a sense of history and current state of knowledge regarding how memories are found, how we construct visual pictures in our brain etc. a slim and enjoyable book. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.