Please Be Mindful of the Mind-Brain Distinction

In all this neo-brain science talk, perhaps we are blurring the distinction between the mind and that big wrinkled organ between our ears.

Missing the difference–between intellect, consciousness and the nervous system– was lamented by Philosophy teacher Jane O’Grady at Open Democracy recently.

In an extensive tour of the shortcomings that arise when experts unwisely marry the behavioral and neurosciences, O’Grady says applying too many social mores to the hard science of the nervous system can lead to a world “leeched of meaning, morality, dignity and freedom.”

Since it’s one organ we would hope you never visit Big Think without, consider some of Princeton Professor Sam Wang’s other brain myths debunked.