Review by Choice Review
In this short work, Goldblum (psychology, Bar-Ilan Univ., Israel) tackles the virtually impossible task of explaining how the brain and mind function. Are they separate entities, or is the brain responsible for shaping the mind? The author is an advocate of the theory of connectionism, a relatively new theory that claims that mental processes and capacities are based on the multiple interconnections between neurons in the brain (instead of the older classics' theory that describes mental processes as occurring serially, where each concept is stored in one particular place). Connectionism is based on neural network models or parallel distributed processing, like computers. Throughout 12 chapters, Goldblum carries readers from an examination of early theories and models of how the brain and mind work to new methods of applying this knowledge of the brain and mind to studying and teaching. A chapter criticizing connectionism is included. Consciousness and emotion were deliberately excluded, a disappointment because each is an integral part of the function of the brain and mind, and inclusion would have added to the book. Annotated references and suggested readings are provided. Suitable for academic and public libraries. All levels. O. L. Paradis Baylor University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
