Decisions, Uncertainty, and the Brain

Glimcher has achieved an extraordinary synthesis of perspectives that have remained isolated for far too long. He views the brain as a system designed to maximise neither pleasure nor social or economic success, but biological fitness instead. He goes on to show why this matters in fields as disparate as psychology, economics and his own field of neurobiology. This is an impressive and highly readable journey through vast areas of scientific and philosophical knowledge. --Alex Kacelnik, Professor of Behavioural Ecology, Oxford University Glimcher does extraordinary neuroscience and relates it to the most fundamental of all questions: how the brain makes decisions. His use of game theory to characterize decision making in both humans and monkeys under conditions of strategic conflict is unique. What could be more important than studying the neurobiological basis of volitional choice in earnest? The implications and applications of his work are singular. Michael S. Gazzaniga, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Dartmouth College Decisions, Uncertainty, and the Brain is a worthwhile book. William H. Redmond Journal of Economic Issues The book is an absorbing introduction to the emerging field of neuroeconomics, which combines economic concepts with the study of brains and behavior in humans and animals. Decisions, Uncertainty and theBrain makes a strong case that the marriage of neuroscience's history and of philosophical implications of neuroeconomics. Kenneth Silber Tech Central Station The book is an absorbing introduction to the emerging field of neuroeconomics. Kenneth Silber Tech Central Station This book will surely ignite discussion and soul searching among serious neuroscientists... P. Read Montague Nature This book will surely ignite discussion and soul searching among serious neuroscientists. P. Read Montague Nature