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Published May 2008
320 pages
Genre: Science, Health and the Environment
Publication Information
What accounts for the remarkable ability to get inside another person’s head—to know what they’re thinking and feeling? "Mind reading" is the very heart of what it means to be human, creating a bridge between self and others that is fundamental to the development of culture and society. But until recently, scientists didn’t understand what in the brain makes it possible.
This has all changed in the last decade. Marco Iacoboni, a leading neuroscientist whose work has been covered in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal, explains the groundbreaking research into mirror neurons, the "smart cells" in our brain that allow us to understand others. From imitation to morality, from learning to addiction, from political affiliations to consumer choices, mirror neurons seem to have properties that are relevant to all these aspects of social cognition. As The New York Times reports: “The discovery is shaking up numerous scientific disciplines, shifting the understanding of culture, empathy, philosophy, language, imitation, autism and psychotherapy.”
Mirroring People is the first book for the general reader on this revolutionary new science.
"Iacoboni's expansive style and clear descriptions make for a solid introduction to cutting-edge neurobiology." - Publishers Weekly.
"This model of good and useful science is an essential purchase for cutting-edge psychology and philosophy collections." - Library Journal.
"The final chapters veer into random philosophical and cultural musings - the author argues, for example, that the science of mirror neurons should be put to use reducing violence, controlling addiction and introducing Americans to other cultures. Jargon-riddled and dense - not for the uninitiated." - Kirkus Reviews.
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