In control? Think again. Our ideas of brain and human nature are myths by Madeleine Bunting | The Guardian

Description

Madeleine Bunting: The notion of individual autonomy underpins our society, yet new research suggests this guiding principle is an illusion. "Who, dear reader, do you think you are? Do you think your mind is capable of independent judgment and largely directs the course of your life? Do you think that most of your decisions in life have been the product of your rational, conscious self? Do you believe you are in control of your life? Do you cherish ideas such as self-expression, a sense of autonomy and a distinct, self-authored identity? The chances are that, albeit with a few qualifications, most of your answers are yes. Indeed, given a pervasive culture which reinforces all these ideas, it would be a bit odd if you didn't. But the point about this new explosion of interest in research into our brains is that it exposes as illusions much of these guiding principles of what it is to be a mature adult. They are a profound misunderstanding of how we think, and how our brains work. They are fairytales, about as fanciful and as implausible as goblins.."

Original URL

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/23/brain-society-politics#

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/aug/23/brain-society-politics#