The Study of Making up the Mind - Book Report/Review Example

? Making up The Mind Book Review Insert Insert Introduction For as long as we have lived, we have always claimed control of our actions. We place this control on our conscious. We always hold the belief that it is our consciousness that directs our paths. Chris Frith proves us wrong in his book, ‘Making up the Mind: How the Brain Creates Our Mental World’. This book explains to us that it is our brain that is indeed responsible for our actions. The brain is the agent that determines what we wear, who to speak to, who we like and so on. This book review attempts to view some of ChrisFrith’s interesting theories, how he delivers his theory and the success of his theory. At the end of this chapter, one will very easily determine whether Chris Frith is a true scholar or a mere illusion. In the first part of the book, Chris Frith provides us with the knowledge that most people hold the belief that people behave in accordance with their own free will and their own logical thinking. What these people are not aware of is that there is no such thing as free will. Every decision made is usually influenced by the brain. Our brains create images of the world and create images in our mental world as well. Our brains control what we see and what we think. The brain usually recognizes signals from the world. When it receives these signals, it creates an illusion of what makes up the world (Frith, 2007). This could signify that the brain is in charge of all our movements, actions or choices. Chris Frith delves deep into how the brain operates posing questions about the brain and engaging the reader all through. Chris Frith tells us that the brain is what makes us conscious of our surroundings. The brain ‘fools’ us into thinking that we are able to think on our own (Frith, 2007). The brain assists us in interacting with the world around us. This is something which we are incapable of doing on our own. In the first part of the book, we learn that everything made known to us is done so by the brain. The brain is what we could call our ‘principal educator’. Regrettably, the brain usually perceives and interprets our world in its own way founded on stimulations it obtains through the neurons (Frith, 2007). Usually, an assumption is made that our conscious self is the sole component communicating with the world openly. However, the book makes it clear to us that this is merely an illusion generated by the brain. The brain does not change or form illogical images of the mental world (Frith, 2007). The brain receives an enormous quantity of information and filters out information that is unnecessary before it reaches one’s consciousness (Frith, 2007). In the second part of the book, we are introduced to a damaged brain. A damaged brain is one that is found in individuals who are sickly. Chris Frith examines a case where epileptic patients undergo tests to measure their brain activity. The aim of the test is to find out whether their brains generate false information for them as well. The results prove to favor Chris Frith’s theory. A visual hallucination is one trait most common among epileptic patients. The visual hallucinations experienced were described in detail by the epileptic patients. To some of them, these images may have appeared as manifestations of their surroundings, their sub-conscious or even a pats memory. What they are not aware of is that these images are usually forms of false knowledge acquired about the physical world. The irregular brain activity in their damaged brains is responsible for this. Chris Frith uses this example to ratify that false information about the world can be created by stimulations within the brain. Irregular brain activity creates an illusion for the patients. This example of epilepsy patients confirms that actions in the brain could be responsible for generating false experiences of things occurring outside the brain. It is the brain responsible for things such as hallucination and not one’s conscious. This is one theory that can be countered by many people. To one who is not a firm believer of science, a student of neuroscience or even psychology, these principles may seem falsified. However, ChrisFrith provides examples (such as those of epilepsy patients) that strike the attention of the reader and make them think twice about the assumptions they once made. The author is subtle in his approach but very convincing. Also, Chris Frith adds that individuals always form opinions according to what surrounds them. Our environment affects our decisions. Most times, people make choices based on who they are with (family or friends), where they are or what they are doing. Chris Frith states that this is also an illusion. He has used examples such as ‘change blindness’ and the concept of the Herring illusion to support his theory. Chris Frith engages his readers by the use of visual stimulation exercises. The exercises provide results in his favor. The results help in convincing the reader even more on the probability that it is the brain in control of all our actions. This technique is one that I have not noticed in many psychology books I have read. Chris Frith provides an interesting theory backed with examples and exercises that entice the reader all through the book. Chris Frith explains to us that the brain usually hides some unconscious suggestions it comes up with. This gives us two assumptions: We hold control over our physical world. We can do anything to influence our outside world by acting in whatever way we choose. Our mental world is private. We are the only ones who can control our thoughts. This mere fact shows us how much the brain obtains and holds control over our whole self. The brain creates illusions for us to make us have a sense of superiority that we do not and cannot have. Also, Chris Frith mentions that the brain allows us to go into a world composed of other minds, share feelings with others, and guess other people's intents. Throughout the book, the reader is journeying into how the brain performs these actions. This book serves as an excellent read for students majoring in psychology or psychological experts as well. The brain is usually one of the areas a student studying psychology deals with in their course. This book proves to be an interesting read as it stirs up an argument that could be believable. The book could also help those majoring in science. Understanding the science of the brain could be a key piece of knowledge in their day-to-day application of science. In addition, it can serve the general audience as it serves to explain how mental experiences occur. Conclusion This book is one of its kind as it explains clearly principles surrounding the brain. It answers questions on how we experience what we experience. This book is different from other books in the same field. The difference is that ChrisFrith provides a very interesting approach to his topic. He argues with evidence and allows the reader to question the capacity of their brain activity. This book provides a refreshing approach to the question of the brain’s true capability. It is an excellent read for individuals who would like to gain an extra bit of knowledge. I enjoyed the book because of its extensive examples. The examples helped me understand better on how the brain operates. These examples were very practical and I felt able to engage myself with the author’s way of thought. I did not share the same views and opinions the two characters in the book shared. I felt that their views were because of naivety and their lack of knowledge. After reading the book, I remain convinced that my brain does influence my environment. References Frith, C. (2007). Making up the Mind: How the Brain Creates Our Mental World. New York. 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