Brain Flows : How Network Dynamics Compose the Human Mind / Michael W. Cole.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Cole, Michael Wayne, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mind-brain identity theory.

Cognitive neuroscience.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ Princeton University Press, [2026]

Summary:

A pioneering theory of how brain network flows compose the neural symphonies that make us who we are What enables us not only to comprehend the world but also to find meaning in it? How does a brain engender a mind? In Brain Flows , cognitive neuroscientist Michael Cole argues that movements (flows) of activity through brain networks create an improvised electrochemical symphony that generates our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and actions. Drawing on his decades of brain research, Cole traces the brains complex network organization, which transforms brain flows into representations, goal pursuits, and entire minds. Central to this transformation, he explains, is compositionality, which allows neural representations to be reused and recombined to produce a brain state rich enough not only to perceive the constant novelty of the world but also to help generate it. Cole describes the work of brain flows layer by layer, from simple network interactions to hallmarks of the human mind: consciousness, intelligence, free will, mental health, and creativity. After laying the groundworkintroducing the idea of brain flows and discussing goal pursuit, novelty, and hierarchieshe offers an innovative account of how brain flow patterns create the mind, putting cognitive and network neuroscience findings within rich theoretical and empirical contexts. Throughout, he offers lively examples from daily life that shed light on the dynamic origin of our minds. Ultimately, Cole shows that brain flows are central to what the brain does and thus who we are.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Preface

Section I. From Brain Flows to Brain Functions

1 Seeking a Generative Understanding of the Human Brain and Its Flexible Cognitive Repertoire

2 Grounding Cognition in Brain Flows and the Dynamic Connectome

3 A Chunk of Matter that Pursues Goals

4 Novelty in a Compositional Universe

5 Flow-based Generation of Cognitive Levels of Organization

Section II. How Brain Flows Generate the Human Mind

6 Flow Fields and the Generation of Consciousness

7 Effective Goal Pursuit and the Generation of Intelligence

8 Causality and the Generation of Free Will

9 Dysfunctional Flows and the Generation of Mental Health

10 Novel Flow Pattern Search and the Generation of Creativity

Epilogue

Glossary

Notes

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (De Gruyter Brill, viewed October 5, 2026).

Other Format:

Print version: Cole, Michael Wayne. Brain flows.

ISBN:

9780691265988

0691265984

OCLC:

1616190136

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license