Advance Review for

SOCIETIES OF BRAINS:
A Study in the Neuroscience of Love and Hate

"In this essay written for the occasion of the Spinoza lectures of the 
University of Amsterdam, Walter Freeman introduces the new concept of 
neuroactivity which is defined as the structure of brain operations that forms 
the interface between the electrochemical signs of neuronal populations and 
overt measured behaviors. While rejecting the dualistic view of mind and 
brain, he sets the stake for an inquiry into how causality arises in brain 
functions by exploring how neuroactivity relates both to brain and to mind. 
The pivotal concept of neuroactivity is that to understand brain functions it 
is essential to take into account the dynamics of neuronal populations and 
not just the behavior of single neurons. Based on a life-long series of 
exciting experimental findings aimed at unraveling the dynamics of 
neuroactivity in space and time, Freeman speculates about how sensation 
and perception, intention and movement, intentional structure and thought, 
learning and unlearning come about. Intrinsic to Freeman s analysis of the 
signals generated by the neuronal networks of the brain (i.e. EEGs) is his 
conviction that within the apparent unreproducibility and unpredictability of 
EEG signals there may be a hidden chaotic determinism, although he admits 
the difficulties in measuring chaos in such brain signals. In his view this 
makes the theory of nonlinear dynamics, despite its difficulties and 
limitations, the best available new tool for exploring brain function.
In this essay Freeman underscores the importance or theoretical 
concepts in acquiring insight into the functions of the brain. Although he 
leaves the reader with a lot of questions regarding how to assess his new 
concepts and test his predictions this essay offers plenty of spicy food for 
critical thought. Spinoza would have eagerly appreciated being confronted 
with freeman's challenges."
				Fernando H. Lopes da Silva, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Amsterdam


"As fields of knowledge become more diversified it becomes more difficult 
and more daring to attempt a synthesis. Nonetheless Walter Freeman offers 
a unique perspective on issues in psychology, artificial intelligence, 
literature, philosophy, and medicine organized around his unorthodox but 
convincing account of how the brain uses chaotic dynamics to enable 
animals like us to cope with their environment. The result is an original and 
wide-ranging book full of fascinating facts and wry wisdom. It casts grave 
doubts on the reigning paradigm in neuroscience and cognitivism and gives 
researchers in the human sciences a controversial new theory of the 
emotions and of human social bonding."
				Hubert L. Dreyfus
Professor of the Graduate School, University of California at Berkeley


"In this fascinating book a pioneer of brain research gives deep insights into 
brains and minds and encourages the reader to explore further the utility of 
synergetics and nonlinear dynamics for understanding brain function.
				Hermann Haken
Professor of Physics, Institute for Theoretical Physics and Synergetics
University of Stuttgart


"Walter Freeman's book is uniquely valuable as a personalized statement of 
the views of a real pioneer and a global theorist with solid experimental 
roots.  One doesn't need to agree with every flavor in the bouillabaisse to 
enjoy and learn and think of the next experiment.
				Theodore H. Bullock
Professor of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego


"How does the brain work? If you are interested in this question you must 
read Walter Freeman for he has taken the high ground with his empirically 
based chaos-mathematical model. This is a clearly written book by a great 
pioneer about his monumental breakthrough. "
				Ralph Abraham
Professor of Mathematics, University of California, Santa Cruz

<--- Go to the Freeman Neurophysiology Lab Homepage

Email questions/comments to: mark@sulcus.berkeley.edu