Analysis
Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience — Eighteen Years Later
Authors preface: I first published this review on Vocal two years ago, and before that I had published a version on Medium. With each republication I have updated or revised various sections. Thought it made sense to resurrect it one more time for a Vocal Book Club Challenge to "write about a book that changed you." This particular book, PFoN, I happen to believe, is one of the most important ever written and, it has impacted my own thinking on a huge range of topics very deeply. At the time this was written I was reading tons and tons about neuroscience. Specifically at this time I had recently completed reading a number of works by Patricia Churchland Smith, a neuroscientist/philosopher of great renown. I found her views disturbing and her positions misguided. She is the queen of the mereological fallacy (see below for what this is) often using the brain and the person interchangeably as she views them as one and the same. She also believes that if we fully understood everything about how the brain works, we could recreate particular states of consciousness. She is the ultimate hard core reductionist and views consciousness as nothing more than a particular series of electro-chemical reactions in the brain which, like particular states of consciousness, we could replicate artificially if we fully understood. No body would be required for this miraculous achievement. My guess is the AI crowd is a big fan of her work, myself, not so much. In any event, Dr. Churchland-Smith is a frequent target of Bennet and Hacker's logical breakdowns of various neuroscientific studies and claims about the brain and consciousness, which they dissect and show to be in error point by point.
By Everyday Junglist3 years ago in BookClub
A Review Of Unwind
Unwind is a book by Neal Shusterman published in 2007. It's book 1 in the Unwind Dystology series. I know I'm 16 years behind the curve, but this book is so good that it needs to be talked about. We can't talk about the book and not the author.
By Haylee Sandberg3 years ago in BookClub
The importance of Purpose
Everything in your life that lacks purpose not only brings frustration but can also be wielded as a weapon by the devil to bring about your destruction. Even the beauty that God has bestowed upon you if it is not aligned with a divine purpose, can be transformed into a tool of devastation for both yourself and others. Intelligence without a higher calling, what some may call an "Evil Genius," can be manipulated by the devil to bring about your downfall. Just look at how Satan used the gifts bestowed upon men by God to bring about their destruction. For instance, Samson was granted extraordinary strength, but he failed to understand its purpose. Instead of utilizing his strength to become a judge of Israel, he simply saw it as a manifestation of physical power. Let this serve as a reminder that everything we do should be driven by purpose. Humans possess an inherent longing for life as they are aware that they have yet to accomplish their intended purpose. This is why the concept of death can provoke unease. However, when an individual uncovers their true calling and attains fulfillment in their destiny, they approach death with acceptance and without apprehension. Consider the apostle Paul as an illustration. The profound comprehension of his purpose enabled him to face death without fear. In fact, he actively embraced it,
By william Motaung3 years ago in BookClub
Be good
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Verona, there lived a rich and arrogant man named Victor. He was the owner of multiple successful businesses, and his wealth allowed him to live a life of luxury, surrounded by material possessions and extravagant parties. However, despite his wealth, Victor was dissatisfied and felt an emptiness deep within him.
By Victoria jonah3 years ago in BookClub
That Ikigai Book
This is the book that yours truly is talking (literally raving) about in the opening image of this article. I kind of have my work on social media to thank, for helping one really get in touch with her Ikigai. Who knew that one simple book could be packed full of wisdom, gems, and other tips for living a life on "purpose." And it is not dry and academic, as would be the norm (and maybe even the expectation) of some of those types of books. For example, and much respect to Stephen Covey (in more ways than one, and thank you for your work); yet one is still stuck on what the seven highly habits of effective people actually are.
By Justine Crowley3 years ago in BookClub
The Wager Book Review
David Grann's The Wager is a masterful work of nonfiction that tells the story of the Wager Mutiny, a real-life event that took place in 1741. The book is a gripping tale of shipwreck, survival, and murder, but it is also much more than that. It is a meditation on the nature of power, the limits of human endurance, and the power of storytelling.
By Timothy A Rowland3 years ago in BookClub
Book Review: Stripped Bare by Jamila Jasper
Synopsis This full-length 50,000+ word BWWM romance novel is a NO cliffhanger standalone with a guaranteed HEA ending. African-American business woman Samara "Sugar" Wilson isn't looking for love. The sexy, muscular and mysterious Storm Jarvis isn't looking either. The results of an explosive night of passion force them to deal with each other far longer than they're willing. They can't ignore the tension between them even if they try... After getting naughty all over New York, Storm is forced to accept that he wants to claim Sugar as his and his alone. Will their fear of commitment get in the way of them realizing they're fated to be bonded for life? This interracial pregnancy romance is so deliciously hot it will melt your Kindle. Reader discretion advised for this sexy, smutty story about an African-American woman and the white man she falls in love with.
By Zuleika Boekhoudt3 years ago in BookClub
