Decisions, uncertainty, and the brain : the science of neuroeconomics / Paul W. Glimcher.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Glimcher, Paul W.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Cognitive neuroscience.

Brain--Mathematical models.

Brain.

Microeconomics.

Reflexes.

Dualism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (396 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, ©2003.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In this provocative book, Paul Glimcher argues that economic theory may provide an alternative to the classical Cartesian model of the brain and behavior. Glimcher argues that Cartesian dualism operates from the false premise that the reflex is able to describe behavior in the real world that animals inhabit. A mathematically rich cognitive theory, he claims, could solve the most difficult problems that any environment could present, eliminating the need for dualism by eliminating the need for a reflex theory. Such a mathematically rigorous description of the neural processes that connect sensation and action, he explains, will have its roots in microeconomic theory. Economic theory allows physiologists to define both the optimal course of action that an animal might select and a mathematical route by which that optimal solution can be derived. Glimcher outlines what an economics-based cognitive model might look like and how one would begin to test it empirically. Along the way, he presents a fascinating history of neuroscience. He also discusses related questions about determinism, free will, and the stochastic nature of complex behavior.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Acknowledgments

Further Reading

Preface

I Historical Approaches

1 Rene´ Descartes and the Birth of Neuroscience

2 Inventing the Reflex

3 Charles Sherrington and the Propositional Logic of Reflexes

4 Finding the Limits of the Sherringtonian Paradigm

5 Neurobiology Today

6 Global Computation

7 Modularity and Evolution

II Neuroeconomics

8 Defining the Goal

9 Evolution, Probability, and Economics

10 Probability, Valuation, and Neural Circuits

11 Irreducible Uncertainty and the Theory of Games

12 Games and the Brain

13 Putting It All Together I. Behavior and Physiology

14 Putting It All Together II. Philosophical Implications

References

Index.

Notes:

"A Bradford book."

Includes bibliographical references (pages [247]-354) and index.

OCLC-licensed vendor bibliographic record.

ISBN:

9780262273930

0262273934

9780585444963

058544496X

OCLC:

52235351

Publisher Number:

9780262072441