In Search of a Mechanism: From the Brain to the Mind - A Conversation with Chris Frith

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Chris Frith, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychology at University College London and Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London. After an interesting exploration of how Chris Frith became interested in the study of schizophrenia, this detailed conversation examines topics such how our understanding of schizophrenia has evolved, the role of dopamine, how the brain works, the brain’s predicting role, the phantom limb phenomenon, how the brain and mind link up, how culture affects the brain and much more.This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Eyes on the Prize, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:I. Becoming a Psychologist - From “min and crys” to schizophreniaII. Probing Agency - Predictions, tickling and dopamineiii. The Active Brain - The principal actor in the theatre of experienceIV. Ideal Bayesian Operators - How our brains trump our mindsV. In Search of a Mechanism - How to connect the subpersonal with the personalVI. Humanistic Hubris - Dancing bees, stripping pine cones and The Royal SocietyVII. Free Will - And what it meansVIII. The Very Big Picture - Towards a grand unified theory of psychology?IX. Final Thoughts - Schizophrenia treatment and open questionsAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.