by Dr. Joseph E. LeDoux
The Four Realms of Existence is offers a commentary on who we are, and more importantly, what that who and self is. These questions which many think are solved—we learn from LeDoux, are actually ideas of what the self is rather than a scientific concept. LeDoux does not shy away from discussing the evolution of Western ideas on these concepts of self—particularly that of philosophers reaching back to Ancient Greece, all the way to our modern theoretical concepts.
This struggle of humans to learn what and why we are is a question as old as humanity itself. In this book, LeDoux reflects on his long career in neuroscience, but from a purely humanistic view that is incredibly humble considering LeDoux’s incredible accomplishments in science within the past two centuries.
The Four Realms of Existence lays out these four realms in a way that is easy to understand whether you are an expert in neuroscience, or a layperson interested in discovering what our self is. LeDoux describes these realms as biological, neurobiological, cognitive, and conscious.
LeDoux lays out his concepts with delicate ease and provides both historical and scientific considerations of the theory of self. To say I recommend this book is putting it far too mildly—if you have any interest in neuroscience, cognitive science, or even just who you are, you should read this book!
Buy here: https://amzn.to/4ankdHT
