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Episode 6 of the Brain Science Podcast is a discussion of The First Idea: How Symbols, Language, And Intelligence Evolved from Our Primate Ancestors to Modern Humans, by Stanley I Greenspan, MD and Stuart G Shanker, D. PHIL.
I wanted to talk about emotion, but I generally base the Brain Science Podcast on my current reading, which is why I chose this rather difficult book that touches on psychology, child development, evolution, and theories about the emergence of language and intelligence.
The basic premise, which is discussed in the podcast is that emotional signaling is the basis for the emergence of language and intellligence. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is discussed as is how the theory challenges long-standing theories about language and intelligence.
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I love ur podcast… today’s length was just right in my personal opinion. I don’t really have access to this kind of information on a daily basis, so, I actually look forward to not just listening to what you say but learning as well. SO the longer the better.
Also i was hoping you might eventually talk about some of the new advances in quantum physics and the possibility of a true mind – brain distinction. here is a good article about the topic. Thankyou for the wonderful podcast and I look forward to the next one.
http://www.newdualism.org/papers/H.Stapp/Stapp-PTB6.htm
Thanks for the feedback William.
I read the link you left and I feel I must make a few comments:
While the piece is written in a style that makes it look like a scientific paper, none of its claims are backed by references (footnotes). While the idea of applying quantum mechanics to brain function is interesting, it is currently not supported by any hard data.
They make the claim that because the ion channels are in the nanometer range that quantum effects must be considered. I am no expert on quantum mechanics, but I think it applies to a much smaller level, that is the level of sub-atomic particles, not the level of channels made of peptides, which are actually huge compared to electrons, protons, and the quarks.
One can not jump from the fact that whether a particular ion is going to enter a channel must be described statistically to the conclusion that the phenomena is quantum mechanical.
John Searle, one of the leading philosophers of the mind, and also a strong opponent of dualism, has stated that the problem with trying to appeal to quantum mechanics as the source of free will is that all it really introduces is randomness. Meanwhile, the current status, research-wise, is summed up in Essential Sources in the Scientific Study of Consciousness, (MIT Press, 2003) where they note that quantum theories of consciousness are “unsupported by evidence at this time.” (page ix)
Of course, this could change.
Hi Ginger,
I’ve just listened to this episode of your great podcast…
Well, you say that the book isn’t very easy, but I think you made it clear to me.
Thank you for the dedication you put in your podcast activity, I find it very helpful and fascinating.
(I am writing you an e-mail)
Write soon
Francesca
I really enjoyed this episode and I agree with William that it’s a nice length. Have you ever come across Dylan Evans? According to the blurb in the back of his very entertaining little book ‘Emotion, The Science of Sentiment’ (Oxford University Press) 2001, he is a Research Fellow at the Dept. of Philosophy at Kings College London. I found this a good read, and would recommend it to your listeners and you.
I will get it. Thanks for the suggestion.
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