About the book
A highly original theory of how the mind-brain works, based on the author's study of single neuronal cells.
In I of the Vortex, Rodolfo Llinas, a founding father of modern brain science, presents an original view of the evolution and nature of mind. According to Llinas, the \"mindness state\" evolved to allow predictive interactions between mobile creatures and their environment. He illustrates the early evolution of mind through a primitive animal called the \"sea squirt.\" The mobile larval form has a brainlike ganglion that receives sensory information about the surrounding environment. As an adult, the sea squirt attaches itself to a stationary object and then digests most of its own brain. This suggests that the nervous system evolved to allow active movement in animals. To move through the environment safely, a creature must anticipate the outcome of each movement on the basis of incoming sensory data. Thus the capacity to predict is most likely the ultimate brain function. One could even say that Self is the centralization of prediction.
At the heart of Llinas's theory is the concept of oscillation. Many neurons possess electrical activity, manifested as oscillating variations in the minute voltages across the cell membrane. On the crests of these oscillations occur larger electrical events that are the basis for neuron-to-neuron communication. Like cicadas chirping in unison, a group of neurons oscillating in phase can resonate with a distant group of neurons. This simultaneity of neuronal activity is the neurobiological root of cognition. Although the internal state that we call the mind is guided by the senses, it is also generated by the oscillations within the brain. Thus, in a certain sense, one could say that reality is not all \"out there,\" but is a kind of virtual reality.
Editions of I of the Vortex
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780262122337
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262621632
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262278454
- EBook
- ISBN 9780262296960
Read an Excerpt
A highly original theory of how the mind-brain works, based on the author's study of single neuronal cells.
In I of the Vortex, Rodolfo Llinas, a founding father of modern brain science, presents an original view of the evolution and nature of mind. According to Llinas, the \"mindness state\" evolved to allow predictive interactions between mobile creatures and their environment. He illustrates the early evolution of mind through a primitive animal called the \"sea squirt.\" The mobile larval form has a brainlike ganglion that receives sensory information about the surrounding environment. As an adult, the sea squirt attaches itself to a stationary object and then digests most of its own brain. This suggests that the nervous system evolved to allow active movement in animals. To move through the environment safely, a creature must anticipate the outcome of each movement on the basis of incoming sensory data. Thus the capacity to predict is most likely the ultimate brain function. One could even say that Self is the centralization of prediction.
At the heart of Llinas's theory is the concept of oscillation. Many neurons possess electrical activity, manifested as oscillating variations in the minute voltages across the cell membrane. On the crests of these oscillations occur larger electrical events that are the basis for neuron-to-neuron communication. Like cicadas chirping in unison, a group of neurons oscillating in phase can resonate with a distant group of neurons. This simultaneity of neuronal activity is the neurobiological root of cognition. Although the internal state that we call the mind is guided by the senses, it is also generated by the oscillations within the brain. Thus, in a certain sense, one could say that reality is not all \"out there,\" but is a kind of virtual reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is I of the Vortex about?
A highly original theory of how the mind-brain works, based on the author's study of single neuronal cells.
In I of the Vortex, Rodolfo Llinas, a founding father of modern brain science, presents an original view of the evolution and nature of mind. According to Llinas, the \"mindness state\" evolved to allow predictive interactions between mobile creatures and their environment. He illustrates the early evolution of mind through a primitive animal called the \"sea squirt.\" The mobile larval form has a brainlike ganglion that receives sensory information about the surrounding environment. As an adult, the sea squirt attaches itself to a stationary object and then digests most of its own brain. This suggests that the nervous system evolved to allow active movement in animals. To move through the environment safely, a creature must anticipate the outcome of each movement on the basis of incoming sensory data. Thus the capacity to predict is most likely the ultimate brain function. One could even say that Self is the centralization of prediction.
At the heart of Llinas's theory is the concept of oscillation. Many neurons possess electrical activity, manifested as oscillating variations in the minute voltages across the cell membrane. On the crests of these oscillations occur larger electrical events that are the basis for neuron-to-neuron communication. Like cicadas chirping in unison, a group of neurons oscillating in phase can resonate with a distant group of neurons. This simultaneity of neuronal activity is the neurobiological root of cognition. Although the internal state that we call the mind is guided by the senses, it is also generated by the oscillations within the brain. Thus, in a certain sense, one could say that reality is not all \"out there,\" but is a kind of virtual reality.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in I of the Vortex?
Medicine and Nursing > Medical specialties, branches of medicine > Neurology and clinical neurophysiology
Where can I read a sample of I of the Vortex?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262122337
Who is/are the Author/s of the book I of the Vortex?
Rodolfo R. Llinas
Who is the Publisher of the book I of the Vortex?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
I of the Vortex is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780262122337) and paperback(ISBN 9780262621632) and ebook(ISBN 9780262278454) and ebook(ISBN 9780262296960)
Where can I buy I of the Vortex online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy I of the Vortex from below
Where can I buy I of the Vortex?