ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a sense of order to the somewhat diverse nature of the contributions herein on mind and brain. It aims to understanding in the cases of the grossly brain injured. The book presents a strong case for the necessity of a sequential view. It provides links between the memory structures and brain areas and pathways. Theorists in many fields are moving away from linear, reductionist, simple cause-effect models toward confronting the challenges of complex adaptive systems. Complex adaptive systems, first, all involve numerous interacting agents whose aggregate behaviors are to be understood. Consider the problems of human consciousness and its relation to the mind-body problem. Very technical meeting at the Ciba Foundation in London brought together some of these same contributors along with other philosophers, psychologists, and neuroscientists to search for possible integrative approaches to mental experience and underlying brain processes.
