Overview

The extraordinary overlap between human and chimpanzee genomes does not result in an equal overlap between human and chimpanzee thoughts, sensations, perceptions, and emotions; there are considerable similarities but also considerable differences between human and nonhuman primate brains. From Monkey Brain to Human Brain uses the latest findings in cognitive psychology, comparative biology, and neuroscience to look at the complex patterns of convergence and divergence in primate cortical organization and function. Several chapters examine the use of modern technologies to study primate brains, analyzing the potentials and the limitations of neuroimaging as well as genetic and computational approaches. Other chapters identify plausible analogs or homologs in nonhuman primates for such human cognitive functions as arithmetic, reading, theory of mind, and altruism; examine the role of parietofrontal circuits in the production and comprehension of actions; analyze the contributions of the prefrontal and cingulate cortices to cognitive control; and explore to what extent visual recognition and visual attention are related in humans and other primates.

Full Product Details

9780262042239

Table of Contents

Reviews

This amazing volume modernizes Darwin by showing how closely the human and monkey brain are linked in morphology and genetics. Its chapters demonstrate that even our most impressive cognitive achievements of language, mathematics, and empathy are all illuminated by the relevant primate circuitry. --Michael Posner, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon This remarkable volume brings together many pioneers of parallel studies of structure and function in human and monkey brains. It gives the reader a comprehensive picture of the striking similarities between our brain and that of our smaller cousins, even for higher cognitive functions. And it lays the groundwork for future studies in comparative functional imaging. --Guy A. Orban, Professor of Neurophysiology, Catholic University Leuven Medical School, Belgium

Author Information

Jean-René Duhamel is Director of Research, Institute of Cognitive Science at CNRS, Lyon. Marc D. Hauser is Professor of Psychology and Codirector of the Mind, Brain, and Behavior Program at Harvard University. Giacomo Rizzolatti is Professor of Human Physiology at the University of Parma.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available