The Neuroscience of Freedom and Creativity
Our Predictive Brain

A scientific, uniquely factual account of the role of the brain in freedom and creativity.

Joaquín M. Fuster (Author)

9781107027756, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 August 2013

300 pages, 4 b/w illus. 8 colour illus.
23.1 x 15.7 x 1.5 cm, 0.57 kg

'Professor Fuster's insights regarding brain function are always priceless. Now, based on his unprecedented work on understanding the most complex portion of the brain - the frontal lobes - he has put forth a cogent view of the biological basis underlying the notion of 'free will'. Like his other books, this one is a pleasure to read and will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone interested in the relationship between the brain and behavior.' Mark D'Esposito, MD, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, and Director, Henry H. Wheeler, Jr Brain Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley

Joaquín M. Fuster is an eminent cognitive neuroscientist whose research over the last five decades has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of the neural structures underlying cognition and behaviour. This book provides his view on the eternal question of whether we have free will. Based on his seminal work on the functions of the prefrontal cortex in decision-making, planning, creativity, working memory, and language, Professor Fuster argues that the liberty or freedom to choose between alternatives is a function of the cerebral cortex, under prefrontal control, in its reciprocal interaction with the environment. Freedom is therefore inseparable from that circular relationship. The Neuroscience of Freedom and Creativity is a fascinating inquiry into the cerebral foundation of our ability to choose between alternative actions and to freely lead creative plans to their goal.

1. Introduction
2. Evolutionary roots of freedom
3. Anatomy of cognition
4. The perception/action cycle
5. Memory of the future
6. Freedom in speech
7. Liberty, responsibility, and social order.

Subject Areas: Physiological & neuro-psychology, biopsychology [JMM], Psychology [JM], Philosophy of mind [HPM]