Altered Egos: How the Brain Creates the Self

by Todd E. Feinberg

Book Overview

It may be the deepest mystery of philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience: how does the brain unite to create the self, the subjective "I"? In Altered Egos, Dr. Todd Feinberg presents a new theory of the self, based on his first-hand experience as both a psychiatrist and neurologist.
Feinberg first introduces the reader to dozens of intriguing cases of patients whose disorders have resulted in what he calls "altered egos" a change in the brain...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019513625X
• ISBN13: 9780195136258
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Thoughtful approach

I enjoyed reading this book for a number of reasons. First, it is well thought out. Dr. Feinberg takes the time to explain the mind-body problem from the point of view of the clinician as well as the philosopher. If you are in neuroscience, I think that it is generally assumed that one is familiar with the controversies that surround the Cartesian view of the mind. However, I don't think that most clinicians, scientists, or lay readers are quite as familiar with the fundamental issues or the philosophical controversies as they might suppose. Dr. Feinberg's approach is to carefully bring out the basic philosophical issues and then, through examination of text and clinical material, conduct a lucid and thorough examination of how mind and more specifically, self, could arise from our understanding of the brain. Second, it is well written. Dr. Feinberg has a direct and conversational prose style that helps the reader connect the clinical case material with his theory of self. The illustrations are also excellent. In sum, for either the clinician (me), the neuroscientist, or the lay reader, Dr. Feinberg's book provides an accessible and cogent account of a difficult and important area.

Dr. Feinberg's masterpiece

Altered Egos by Todd Feinberg is a superbly written, fascinating account of a doctor's observations of his brain injured patients. Dr. Feinberg compassionately portrays their histories in riveting case reports and subsequently anchors the rich case material in philosophical and neuroscientific theories. Examination of alterations in the self that result from damage to the brain provides the basis for Dr. Feinberg's groundbreaking discussion of the complexities of the self. Dr. Feinberg artfully presents his theory of the nested hierarchy of consciousness. This book is a must read.

A Great Guide for all who Care about the Mind

I have taken the time to read Dr. Feinberg's book not once, but twice, in order to get its full flavor. As one practices law and who deals with clients with neurological injuries, both as injury victims and the elderly I am amazed at how well the author explains the nuances between mind and "self" or as I like it: the way one presents him or her self to the world.The book is very readable and does not contain any pedantic phrases or highly technical scientific terms that are often replete in such texts. Instead it very ably explains much of what needs to be known about the brain.Dr. Feinberg's insight should inspire other researchers and academics to continue their inquiry into the function of the brain so that we can all become more aware and knowledgable about ourselves and those around us.

Outstanding neurophilosophical thinking

There has been a good deal of writing about the brain and mind of late, but I can't recall a more enjoyable and thought provoking read than Dr. Feinberg's new book "Altered Egos".I first heard Dr Feinberg on NPR radio and I went right out to buy his book. The first part relates numerous fascinating case studies of patients with brain damage who experience an alteration in their sense of self.For example, some patients misidentify their spouses,as in the Talking Heads song Once in a Lifetime ("This is not my Beautiful Wife"). Other cases don't recognize their own arms; still others who suffer from a condition known as "alien hand syndrome", might even attack themselves. In the later sections of the book, Feinberg uses these cases to explore how the many areas of the brain that contribute to the self combine to create a unified self and an "inner I". In simple language that is accesible to the non-professional, Feinberg draws on basic principles in neurology and philosophy and presents his case that the brain/mind is a "nested hierarchy of meaning and purpose." He argues convincingly that this nested hierarchy is the final irreducible reality of what and who we are. I personally found the combination of neurology and philosophy in this book exciting, and the best part was that I found the writing not just understandable, but fun. Feinberg's book is a must read for anyone who has wondered what it really is to be a person.

Pushing the edges of identity

Feinberg is clearly a master teacher. Reading this book is like being on well-organized, interesting rounds. While not assuming that his audience is familiar with medical or philosophical terms, he is able to lead you from the simple to the complex.His patients are presented with kindness and respect. We wonder why patients no longer recognize their limbs or family members or even their own reflection in a mirror. Feinberg clearly explains the areas of brain specilization whose loss contributes to these problems.He then extends his discussion to problems of consciousness. He traces philosophic discussions and current developments with simplicity and precision. For the uninitiated, such as I, he provides a glossary which is easy to access and understand.I was amazed at the extent of the bibleography and truly grateful to be able to benefit from Feinberg's scholarship. In addition, I have made notes on many of the pages which I hope to discuss further.A highly recommended book!!!!!!