Beyond Mirror Neurons - A Conversation with Greg Hickok

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Greg Hickok, Professor of Cognitive science at UC Irvine, where he directs the Center for Language Science and the Auditory and Language Neuroscience Lab. This thought-provoking conversation examines Greg Hickok’s neuroscience research related to speech and language which led him to eventually reject many aspects of the mirror neuron hypothesis, while giving his views on the mechanisms behind imitation and what mirror neurons really do. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Monkey See, Monkey Don’t, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Talking Neuroscience - Speech, language and cognition II. Enter Mirror Neurons - Grasping monkeys and old theories III. One Size Fits All? - The kitchen sink of cognitive science IV. Imitation - What it is and what it isn’t V. Seeking a Controller - Structural investigations VI. The Community Responds - Sceptics and believers VII. A Different Perspective - Prediction and sensory states VIII. Sociological Explorations - The merits of primary sources IX. Neuroplasticity - Speculations on the underlying mechanisms X. On the Front Burner - Lots to investigate About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of a series of 100 Ideas Roadshow Conversations. Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers, including 3 Nobel Laureates, but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.