Includes bibliographical references and index.

The author explores how the brain engages in complex decision-making; how it deals with novelty and ambiguity; and how it addresses moral choices. The author also challenges entrenched assumptions. For example, we know the left hemisphere of the brain is the seat of language--but he argues that language may not be the central adaptation of the left hemisphere. Apes lack language, yet many also show evidence of asymmetric hemispheric development. He also finds that a complex interaction between the frontal lobes and the amygdale--between a recently evolved and a much older part of the brain--controls emotion, as conscious thoughts meet automatic impulses.

cat,200900929,nsh,UPB

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