Avoid Biological Reductionism
Dr. Grandin underwent multiple MRI’s to reveal isolated areas of function (or malfunction) which impact face recognition, memory, and more. This is a fascinating book.
Yet on page 145 of Different Learners, an easy read by another of my favorite thinkers, Jane M. Healy, Ph.D., we receive this wise, simultaneous caution against “biological ‘reductionism’”:
As we evaluate any new development in the science of the brain, it is a good idea to keep in mind that our real purpose — and that of the scientists — needs to be helping living, breathing, wiggling, giggling children…. Scientists and scanners may isolate a single neuron that recognizes your grandmother’s face, but they are a long way from truly understanding your entire, unique subjective experience of being with your grandmother.”
So true.
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