In Search of a Mechanism: From the Brain to the Mind - A Conversation with Chris Frith

This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Chris Frith, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychology at University College London and Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London. After an interesting exploration of how Chris Frith became interested in the study of schizophrenia, this detailed conversation examines topics such how our understanding of schizophrenia has evolved, the role of dopamine, how the brain works, the brain’s predicting role, the phantom limb phenomenon, how the brain and mind link up, how culture affects the brain and much more. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Eyes on the Prize, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Becoming a Psychologist - From “min and crys” to schizophrenia II. Probing Agency - Predictions, tickling and dopamine iii. The Active Brain - The principal actor in the theatre of experience IV. Ideal Bayesian Operators - How our brains trump our minds V. In Search of a Mechanism - How to connect the subpersonal with the personal VI. Humanistic Hubris - Dancing bees, stripping pine cones and The Royal Society VII. Free Will - And what it means VIII. The Very Big Picture - Towards a grand unified theory of psychology? IX. Final Thoughts - Schizophrenia treatment and open questions About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.