Arousal is fundamental to all cognition. It is intuitively obvious,
absolutely necessary, but what exactly is it? In "Brain Arousal and
Information Theory," Donald Pfaff presents a daring perspective on
this long-standing puzzle. Pfaff argues that, beneath our mental
functions and emotional dispositions, a primitive neuronal system
governs arousal. Employing the simple but powerful framework of
information theory, Pfaff revolutionizes our understanding of
arousal systems in the brain.
Starting with a review of the neuroanatomical,
neurophysiological, and neurochemical components of arousal, Pfaff
asks us to look at the gene networks and neural pathways underlying
the brain's arousal systems much as a design engineer would
contemplate information systems. This allows Pfaff to postulate
that there is a bilaterally symmetric, bipolar system universal
among mammals that readies the animal or the human being to respond
to stimuli, initiate voluntary locomotion, and react to emotional
challenges. Applying his hypothesis to heightened states of
arousal--sex and fear--Pfaff shows us how his theory opens new
scientific approaches to understanding the structure of brain
arousal.
A major synthesis of disparate data by a preeminent
neuroscientist, Brain Arousal and Information Theory challenges
current thinking about cognition and behavior. Whether you
subscribe to Pfaff's theory or not, this book will stimulate debate
about the nature of arousal itself.
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