Neural DarwinismBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

One of the nation's leading neuroscientists presents a radically new view of the function of the brain and the nervous system. Its central idea is that the nervous system in each individual operates as a selective system resembling natural selection in evolution, but operating by different mechanisms. This far-ranging theory of brain functions is bound to stimulate renewed discussion of such philosophical issues as the mind-body problem, the origins of knowledge and the perceptual bases of language. Notes and Index.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Neural Darwinism

About the Author

G

Gerald M. Edelman

Gerald M. Edelman was an American biologist and author, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of neuroscience and immunology. Born in 1929 and awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1972 for his discovery of the immune system's antibodies, Edelman later turned his attention to the biological basis of consciousness and the development of the brain. His notable works include 'Neural Darwinism' (1987), 'The Remembered Present: A Biological Theory of Consciousness' (1989), and 'A Universe of Consciousness: How Matter Becomes Imagination' (2001), co-authored with Giulio Tononi. Edelman's writing style is characterized by its clarity and accessibility, bridging complex scientific concepts with philosophical insights, making his work engaging for both scientific and general audiences.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Gerald M. Edelman
Published
December 1987
Publisher
N/A
ISBN
N/A
Language
English
Pages
414
Genres
Philosophy of MindCognitive PsychologyPhilosophyScience and Nature

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

WatchmenBook binding

Watchmen

Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons

A New EarthBook binding

A New Earth

Eckhart Tolle

This Explains EverythingBook binding

This Explains Everything

John Brockman

If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens ... WHERE IS EVERYBODY?Book binding

If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens ... WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

Stephen Webb

Dancing Wu Li MastersBook binding

Dancing Wu Li Masters

Gary Zukav

Cognitive PsychologyBook binding

Cognitive Psychology

Michael W. Eysenck, Mark T. Keane

Fish!Book binding

Fish!

Ken Blanchard, Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, Harry Paul

The Fabric of RealityBook binding

The Fabric of Reality

David Deutsch

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Ken Wilber

The Attention MerchantsBook binding

The Attention Merchants

Tim Wu

River Out of EdenBook binding

River Out of Eden

Richard Dawkins

Men At ArnhemBook binding

Men At Arnhem

Geoffrey Powell

Darwin's Dangerous IdeaBook binding

Darwin's Dangerous Idea

Daniel C. Dennett

BelovedBook binding

Beloved

Toni Morrison

The Three MarriagesBook binding

The Three Marriages

David Whyte

William Shakespeare: The Complete WorksBook binding

William Shakespeare: The Complete Works

William Shakespeare

A Life DecodedBook binding

A Life Decoded

J. Craig Venter

MarkingsBook binding

Markings

Dag Hammarskjold

The 5 Elements of Effective ThinkingBook binding

The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking

Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird

The Order of TimeBook binding

The Order of Time

Carlo Rovelli

The Ocean of LifeBook binding

The Ocean of Life

Callum Roberts

Plato at the GoogleplexBook binding

Plato at the Googleplex

Rebecca Goldstein

The Making of a PhilosopherBook binding

The Making of a Philosopher

Colin McGinn

Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .Book binding

Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .

Thomas Cathcart, Daniel Klein

Confessions of a PhilosopherBook binding

Confessions of a Philosopher

Bryan Magee

InvariancesBook binding

Invariances

Robert Nozick

My BodyBook binding

My Body

Emily Ratajkowski

History of Western PhilosophyBook binding

History of Western Philosophy

Bertrand Russell

The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate TheoryBook binding

The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory

Brian Greene

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

View Collection
Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman's Book Recommendations

Andrew Huberman is a renowned neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford University, where he leads the Huberman Lab, focusing on brain function, behavior, and health. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of neural plasticity, particularly how the brain can change in response to experience and injury. Huberman is widely recognized for his engaging public science communication, which includes the popular "Huberman Lab" podcast that translates complex neuroscience topics into accessible insights for broad audiences. His research has been published in leading scientific journals, earning him numerous accolades and fostering a deeper public appreciation for neuroscience. Additionally, his work extends into practical applications, influencing fields such as mental health, vision restoration, and performance optimization.

View Collection
Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor's Book Recommendations

Bret Victor is a renowned American interface designer and computer scientist celebrated for his innovative contributions to interactive design and human-computer interaction. He is best known for creating dynamic, explorable explanations, which have significantly influenced the way educational content is presented and understood. Victor's seminal work, "Inventing on Principle," advocates for the integration of immediate feedback in creative processes, inspiring a new wave of interactive programming environments. As a former member of the Apple Human Interface team, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern user interfaces. Through his organization, Dynamicland, Victor continues to explore and expand the boundaries of immersive, collaborative computing environments.

View Collection
Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations

Bryan Johnson's Book Recommendations

Bryan Johnson is an American entrepreneur, investor, and futurist, best known for founding Braintree, a payments company that was acquired by PayPal, and Kernel, a company focused on developing brain-computer interfaces. Johnson is deeply interested in advancing human cognition and longevity through technological innovation. His work at Kernel seeks to better understand the brain and its potential to enhance human intelligence. He is also the founder of OS Fund, which invests in companies tackling complex, world-changing problems in areas like health and energy. Johnson is a strong advocate for using technology to extend human potential and reshape the future of humanity.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Elizabeth Filips's Book Recommendations

Elizabeth Filips's Book Recommendations

Elizabeth Filips is a celebrated contemporary author known for her poignant and thought-provoking novels that explore the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Her debut novel, "The Silent Echo," garnered critical acclaim for its deep character development and lyrical prose, earning her a nomination for the prestigious Man Booker Prize. Filips' ability to weave intricate narratives has established her as a distinctive voice in modern literature. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness, often incorporating these themes into her writing to shed light on personal struggles and resilience. In addition to her novels, Filips has contributed essays and short stories to various literary magazines, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and impactful writer.

View Collection
Andrew Wilkinson's Book Recommendations

Andrew Wilkinson's Book Recommendations

Andrew Wilkinson is a distinguished author and entrepreneur, best known for his insightful business writings and contributions to the tech industry. He co-founded MetaLab, a prominent design agency that has shaped the user experience of major platforms like Slack and Coinbase. Wilkinson's entrepreneurial journey and his publications provide valuable perspectives on startup culture, innovation, and leadership. His writing, often featured in leading business magazines and his personal blog, has garnered a wide readership for its practical advice and engaging storytelling. Andrew continues to influence both literature and the business world with his unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking.

View Collection
David Deutsch's Book Recommendations

David Deutsch's Book Recommendations

David Deutsch is a British physicist and philosopher, widely known for his contributions to quantum mechanics, particularly in the area of quantum computation. He is the author of The Fabric of Reality and The Beginning of Infinity, where he explores the nature of knowledge, progress, and the future of human civilization. Deutsch’s work in quantum computing laid the groundwork for the development of quantum algorithms, positioning him as a pioneer in this emerging field. He is a proponent of the multiverse theory and has offered profound insights into the nature of reality, science, and human potential. Deutsch’s philosophical work emphasizes the power of reason and creativity in solving problems and expanding human understanding. His ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of theoretical physics and epistemology, making him a leading thinker on the future of science and technology. He continues to inspire both scientists and lay readers with his optimistic vision of a world shaped by knowledge and innovation.

View Collection
David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair's Book Recommendations

David Sinclair is an Australian biologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, known for his pioneering research in the field of aging and longevity. Sinclair's work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that drive aging and developing interventions to slow or reverse the process. His bestselling book Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To explores the latest advancements in anti-aging science and offers insights into how humans might extend their healthspan. Sinclair's research has led to breakthroughs in areas such as sirtuins, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular reprogramming. He is also the co-founder of several biotech companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Life Biosciences, dedicated to translating aging research into practical treatments. Sinclair is a vocal advocate for taking a proactive approach to aging, promoting lifestyle changes and emerging therapies to delay age-related diseases. His work has made him a leading figure in the longevity movement, influencing both scientific and public discourse on the future of health.

View Collection
Malcolm Gladwell's Book Recommendations

Malcolm Gladwell's Book Recommendations

Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, best known for his best-selling books The Tipping Point, Outliers, and Blink. Gladwell’s work often explores the hidden patterns behind success, decision-making, and social phenomena, using storytelling to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. He has written extensively for The New Yorker and hosts the popular podcast Revisionist History, where he reexamines overlooked or misunderstood events in history. Gladwell is known for his ability to challenge conventional wisdom and provoke new ways of thinking about human behavior and societal trends.

View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.

View Collection
Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations

Cleo Abram's Book Recommendations

Cleo Abram is a distinguished journalist and content creator known for her incisive storytelling and engaging multimedia presentations. She gained widespread recognition as a producer and host for Vox's acclaimed series, "Glad You Asked," where she explored complex topics with clarity and depth. Abram's work often intersects with technology and culture, making intricate subjects accessible to a broad audience. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she has contributed thought-provoking essays and articles to various esteemed publications. Her innovative approach to storytelling continues to influence and inspire both readers and aspiring journalists.

View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.

View Collection
James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

View Collection
Brian Cox's Book Recommendations

Brian Cox's Book Recommendations

Brian Cox is a Scottish actor and director, best known for his roles in films like Braveheart and Adaptation, as well as for his portrayal of media mogul Logan Roy in the hit HBO series Succession. Cox is renowned for his commanding screen presence and his ability to convey complex, often morally ambiguous characters. He has had a distinguished career in both film and theater, earning numerous awards, including a Golden Globe for his performance in Succession. In addition to his acting work, Cox is a vocal advocate for arts education and has been involved in various charitable initiatives. His longevity and versatility have made him a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Maria Popova's Book Recommendations

Maria Popova's Book Recommendations

Maria Popova is a renowned writer, literary critic, and the creator of Brain Pickings, a highly influential blog that curates and explores a wide array of literary and philosophical content. Known for her deep and eclectic insights, she has become a significant voice in literature, providing thoughtful commentary on works spanning various genres and eras. Popova has also authored "Figuring," a book that delves into the interconnected lives of historical figures in science and literature. Her work has been celebrated for its intellectual rigor and ability to make complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. Through her writing and curatorial efforts, Popova has significantly contributed to contemporary literary discourse and the appreciation of the humanities.

View Collection
Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.

View Collection
Seth Godin's Book Recommendations

Seth Godin's Book Recommendations

Seth Godin is a prolific author and entrepreneur, renowned for his influential contributions to marketing and business thought leadership. He has written over 20 bestselling books, including "Purple Cow," "Linchpin," and "The Dip," which have revolutionized modern marketing strategies and inspired countless professionals. Godin's work emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and the power of ideas in building successful enterprises. He is also the founder of altMBA, an online leadership and management workshop, and he consistently shares his insights through his popular daily blog. Godin's impact on the marketing world has earned him a spot in the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame.

View Collection
Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene's Book Recommendations

Brian Greene is an American theoretical physicist and author, best known for his work on string theory and popularizing science through his books and media appearances. Greene’s books, including The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, have helped bring complex concepts in physics to a general audience. He is also the co-founder of the World Science Festival, which promotes public engagement with scientific topics. Greene’s research and ability to communicate scientific ideas have made him one of the most influential figures in theoretical physics. His work continues to inspire curiosity about the universe and our understanding of it.

View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant's Book Recommendations

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions