Descartes' Error

Damasio, Antonio R.

ISBN 10: 0380726475 / ISBN 13: 9780380726479

Published by HarpPeren, 1995

About this Item

Fast Free Shipping â Very Good condition book with a firm cover and clean pages. Shows normal use and some light wear or limited notes markings. A solid, nice copy to enjoy.

Seller Inventory # GWV.0380726475.VG

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Descartes' Error
• Publisher: HarpPeren
• Publication Date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0380726475
• ISBN 13: 9780380726479
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: very_good

About this title

Synopsis

In this wondrously lucid and engaging book, renowned neurologist Antonio Damasio demonstrates what many of us have long suspected: emotions are not a luxury, they are essential to rational thinking.

Descartes' Error takes the reader on an enthralling journey of scientific discovery, starting with the case of Phineas Gage--a construction foreman who in 1848 survived a freak accident in which a 3 1/2 foot iron rod passed through his head--and continuing on to Damasio's experiences with modern-day neurological patients affected by brain damage. Far from interfering with rationality, his research shows us, the absence of emotion and feeling can break down rationality and make wise decision making almost impossible.

Reviews

Neurologist Damasio's refutation of the Cartesian idea of the human mind as separate from bodily processes draws on neurochemistry to support his claim that emotions play a central role in human decision making.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.