Brain Structure, Mind, and Philosophy

Brain Structure and Function

The brain is the most important organ of the nervous system. Weighing approximately 1200 grams, it consists of two hemispheres. It is responsible for motor actions in response to stimuli and hormonal reactions. The brain comprises:

Neocortex (Cerebral Cortex)

Processes information, prepares responses, and is responsible for reasoning. It is divided into 4 lobes with distinct features:

• Frontal (association)
• Temporal (auditory)
• Occipital (visual)
• Parietal (sensory, motor)

Mesocortex (Limbic System)

Plays an important role in psychic life and in regulating functions that affect emotional life in general.

Paleocortex

Governs the operation of very basic aspects such as sleep or appetite.

Philosophical Views: Dualism

Dualism believes in the existence of two different realities: body and mind. Dualists argue that the brain and mind (something spiritual and intangible) are not the same. Traditional dualists include Plato and Descartes.

Platonic Dualism

Posits that the human being is formed by a divine and immortal soul and a body (seen as a rough and mortal "jail").

Cartesian Dualism

Posits that the human being consists of a thinking substance (mind) and an extended substance (body). Both are considered different and independent realities.

Philosophical Views: Monism

Monism considers the human being a unitary entity, denying that the mind is a reality different from the brain. Two main types exist:

Spiritualist Monism

Denies the reality of the body and reduces the human being's composition to spirit.

Materialist Monism

Argues that the mind has no nature different from other physical phenomena. Several positions exist:

• Behaviorism: Ignores the existence of mind and mental processes.
• Identity Theory (Physicalist Reduction): Considers that mental states are identical to neurophysiological brain states.
• Functionalism: Reduces mental processes to neurophysiological processes, as mental functions or processes are defined by their role.
• Emergent Property Dualism: Combines ideas from monism and dualism. Considers that the human being consists of a single substance (physical reality), but this substance yields properties of two different types: physical and mental.
• Personalism: Calls for the unity of the human being (body and spirit) without specifying their interrelation, asserting they are fully spiritual and yet fully physical.

Homeostatic Theory and Human Nature

The human being primarily seeks balance (homeostasis). Therefore, when a need or a disturbance disrupts the individual, an imbalance occurs, prompting the body to react to restore the lost order.

The human being is inherently maladjusted, not fitting perfectly into nature, society, or culture. Its plasticity allows for continuous learning, making it a being dissatisfied with what is merely allowed, constantly setting goals that form the basis of human greatness.