Decisions, Uncertainty, And The Brain ─ The Science Of Neuroeconomics

In this provocative book, Paul Glimcher argues that economic theory may provide analternative to the classical Cartesian model of the brain and behavior. Glimcher argues thatCartesian dualism operates from the false premise that the reflex is able to describe behavior inthe real world that animals inhabit. A mathematically rich cognitive theory, he claims, could solvethe most difficult problems that any environment could present, eliminating the need for dualism byeliminating the need for a reflex theory. Such a mathematically rigorous description of the neuralprocesses that connect sensation and action, he explains, will have its roots in microeconomictheory. Economic theory allows physiologists to define both the optimal course of action that ananimal might select and a mathematical route by which that optimal solution can be derived. Glimcheroutlines what an economics-based cognitive model might look like and how one would begin to test itempirically. Along the way, he presents a fascinating history of neuroscience. He also discussesrelated questions about determinism, free will, and the stochastic nature of complexbehavior.

Paul W. Glimcher is Associate Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at the Center for Neural Science, New York University.