Brain, Mind and Behaviour: A New Perspective on Human Nature

by David L. Robinson

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Author: David L. Robinson

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Paperback:
ISBN 10: 1460980700
ISBN 13: 978-1460980705

Psychology is the science that should enable us to understand ourselves and others. However, since it is little more than a century since this new science was born the available theories are still quite rudimentary and do not have much explanatory or predictive power. Brain, Mind and Behaviour introduces a new theory based on empirical research that has shown how fundamental differences in brain function relate to all the major dimensions of personality and intelligence. With this new knowledge it has been possible to clarify and extend the pioneering theories of Galen, Pavlov, Eysenck, Hebb and Cattell. More specifically, it has been possible to achieve the first comprehensive explanation for the marked differences in personality encountered in everyday life. For example, would you like to know why some people find it easy to mix with others while some find this very difficult? Have you ever wondered why some people are often anxious and depressed while others are usually relaxed and happy? Have you ever wondered why some people are greedy and selfish whereas others are generous and compassionate? Would you like to have a better understanding of yourself and others? The new theory also provides answers to some of the fundamental questions concerning human nature that have preoccupied philosophers and physicians since the dawn of history. Would you like to know about the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired? Are you interested in the ‘mind-body’ problem? Have you ever wondered about the nature of religion, morality and the source of moral values? Would you like to know what the good and bad options are for the future development of humanity? Brain, Mind and Behaviour will lead you towards the answers to such questions and to an understanding of the inner universe of the mind that will not be found in any existing texts on philosophy or psychology.

Review

"In living up to a claim to provide a 'new perspective on human nature, ' Robinson summarizes some of the research on individual differences, especially attempts that have been made to assess the link between the anatomy and physiology of the brain with demonstrable differences....There is no doubt that this work will facilitate much needed debate on the complex quality of human nature. The discussions of human brain structures as they relate to pathology are especially interesting. It is intriguing to consider how the interaction between the evolutionary 'newer' and 'older' parts of the human brain may explain such things as biased information processing. Recommended to researchers/faculty serious about analyzing the physiological-psychological roots of human nature."-Choice

"Students in psychology and related fields studying neuroscience, human behavior, and personality are...likely to find this book rewarding....This book should represent a significant advancement in the formation of an integrated theory of human nature, uniting empirical findings with theory, while also outlining directions for future work. A wonderful historical backdrop sets the stage for Robinson's current perspectives."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review

?Students in psychology and related fields studying neuroscience, human behavior, and personality are...likely to find this book rewarding....This book should represent a significant advancement in the formation of an integrated theory of human nature, uniting empirical findings with theory, while also outlining directions for future work. A wonderful historical backdrop sets the stage for Robinson's current perspectives.?-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review

?In living up to a claim to provide a 'new perspective on human nature, ' Robinson summarizes some of the research on individual differences, especially attempts that have been made to assess the link between the anatomy and physiology of the brain with demonstrable differences....There is no doubt that this work will facilitate much needed debate on the complex quality of human nature. The discussions of human brain structures as they relate to pathology are especially interesting. It is intriguing to consider how the interaction between the evolutionary 'newer' and 'older' parts of the human brain may explain such things as biased information processing. Recommended to researchers/faculty serious about analyzing the physiological-psychological roots of human nature.?-Choice

"Brain, Mind and Behavior is a broadly gauged work with appeal to scientists from many disciplines. Major theories are presented, along with careful assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Future students will surely benefit from this landmark overview of a complex and rapidly changing field of inquiry."-John B. McKinlay, Ph.D. Senior Vice President and Director New England Research Institutes

"Comprises the unique combination of temperament and intelligence, which are bridged by a common theory....[T]he book is certainly a well of facts and insight, in particular for researchers trying to link neurophysiology to personality, which is unfortunately a rare approach in this field. The book is therefore recommended as a basis for teaching and a stimulus for research in all departments of psychology committed to experimental approaches to understanding human behavior."-Petra Netter, Ph.D., M.D. Professor of Psychology, University of Giessen

"David Robinson has produced a creative interface of the mind, brain, and behavior. He is not afraid to state boldly the intellectual choices that man has to make not only to survive but more importantly to live in harmony with self and others. He clearly outlines the crossroads faced by mankind and provides provocative questions to suggest a rapprochement of conflicting themes about the future of culture and mind."-Ernest S. Barratt, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

"A formidable piece of scholarship and a valuable synthesis of personality theory and neurobiology unlikely to be rivalled for some time. I find the material particularly exciting since I believe we are on the verge of major breakthroughs using new molecular and statistical genetic techniques that will enable us to define the major genes involved in certain dimensions of behavior. I believe that the substance of [the] book will greatly contribute to this unravelling."-Nick Martin Professor and Senior Principal Research Fellow Queensland Institute of Medical Research

"This is a most unusual book. The main theme is the biology of personality and intelligence but in developing his ideas Dr. Robinson, who himself has made important contributions to the field, ranges wide. His scope covers the historical origins of the topic, contemporary laboratory evidence (including his own unique contribution) and social and philosophical implications. Dr. Robinson goes from cell to psyche in a manner that will inform and appeal to a broad readership: from first year student to advanced scholar."-Gordon Claridge Oxford University Lecturer in Abnormal Psychology Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford

About the Author

The author has a doctoral degree awarded by the University of Oxford and has lived and worked in the U.K., the United States, Australia and Kuwait. He has been a Fellow of Brown University, a Visiting Associate at the U.S. National Institute on Ageing, a tenured Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and is currently Professor of Psychology and Chairman of the Department of Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences in the Medical Faculty of Kuwait University. Professor Robinson has developed new techniques for the analysis of brain electrical activity and two specific discoveries are worthy of special mention. First, he has been able to demonstrate how individual differences in personality and intelligence are influenced by differences in brain function. Secondly, he has identified the neural 'memory' circuits that are needed to enable short-term memory and consciousness. Professor Robinson believes that one of the greatest challenges for science at the start of the new millennium is to seek a better understanding of differences in cognition and personality that are attributable to differences in brain function. He points out that there are profound differences in personality and cognition that should be studied intensively because they influence every aspect of human existence. His own empirical and theoretical contributions to this area are described in over 50 articles in peer-reviewed science journals and in his new book Brain, Mind and Behaviour: A New Perspective on Human Nature.

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Brain, Mind and Behaviour: A New Perspective on Human Nature