The New Brain Sciences

The last 20 years have seen an explosion of research and development in the neurosciences. Indeed some have called this first decade of the 21st century ''the decade of the mind''. An all-encompassing term the neurosciences cover such fields as biology psychology neurology psychiatry and philosophy and include anatomy physiology molecular biology genetics and behaviour. It is now a major industry with billions of dollars of funding invested from both public and private sectors. Huge progress has been made in our understanding of the brain and its functions. However with progress comes controversy responsibility and dilemma. The New Brain Sciences: Perils and Prospects examines the implications of recent discoveries in terms of our sense of individual responsibility and personhood. With contributing chapters from respected and influential names in neuroscience law psychology philosophy and sociology The New Brain Sciences should kick-start a discussion of where neuroscience is headed.