Brain study 4th part - Exploration Methods(truth or dare?)

[Guest guest]

Exploration Methods

The function of the brain was not understood as recently as two

hundred years ago. Many thought at that time it was some sort of pump

which helped the heart circulate the blood. Our current understanding

of the brain is based on the following study methods:

 

Determination of the structure of the brain through dissection: This

dissection extends to microscopically thin slices. All of the

elements of the brain structure have been isolated and named. This is

the oldest direct study method.

Observation of the functioning brain: Using techniques such as

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the brain may be observed while the

subject performs various functions. This is the most recent form of

study. The active portion of the brain during any particular function

will require more blood and so shows up on the scan. While talking,

for example, the Broca's area on the left frontal lobe shows

activity. While reading-aloud, the Broca's area (speech function) and

the occipital lobe in both hemispheres (seeing function) will show

activity. While moving the right foot, a particular area in the

parietal area of the left hemisphere will show activity. There is, at

present, an ongoing concerted coordinated effort among academics to

map the functioning areas of the entire brain.

Cataloging the functional effects of brain trauma: Brain damage from

automobile accidents and strokes is quite common. By carefully noting

the effects of damage then performing post-mortem examinations later,

the relationship between regional damage and resulting neural

performance offers good physical correlation. This is probably the

largest source of correlative (function vs location) data available.

As presented here, the study of genetics and evolution combined with

the data from the above studies offers great insight into the

construction of the human neural system. For example: The eyes

developed slowly over time. The neural system which supports (1) eye

control and movement, (2) care (blinking), (3) scene storage (memory)

and recall, (4) scene analysis, (5) imaginative scene construction,

and (6) functional judgment of scene elements, all developed along

with the eye. The neural systems for all of the other senses

developed in the same manner, as did those for all other functioning

parts such as legs, arms, etc. The brain is then the accumulation of

all of these systems into one coordinated whole.

Comparative behavioral studies of modern man, primitive man, and

other higher organisms can supply supporting data and guidance, if

carefully used only for that purpose and maintained free of

ideological and political tampering. Current studies are far

more 'politically correct' than 'scientific'.

Introspection is the most questionable of all thought processes, but

is the prevalent modern opinion source about the functioning of the

mind. This is the way of the philosopher, psychologist, educator and

sociologist. The mind is turned inward to inspect the mind, leading

to such utterly stupid statements as : " Ebonics is a valid

language " , " Whole language is superior to phonetics for the teaching

of reading. " , " It is logically obvious that if a child receives low

grades, he will not be able to learn due to his loss of self-esteem. "

or " Any fool can see that the reason for teen-age births is the low

self-esteem of the young mother. " Unfortunately, such intuitive (for

some) observations form the basis for all modern education and,

therefore, the social direction of man. Worse still, that education

then forms the culture of the next generation, leading inevitably to

a spiral downward of ever increasingly foolish 'knowledge' being

taught to the ever increasingly receptive.