This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Who's In Charge? Free Will And The Science Of The Brain

   Free Will and the Science of the Brain

   

   In this thought-provoking exploration of neuroscience and philosophy, the author delves into the intricate relationship between the brain and the concept of free will. By examining cutting-edge research and experiments, the book challenges the traditional notion of free will, suggesting that our decisions may be more influenced by unconscious brain processes than previously believed. It raises profound questions about personal responsibility, morality, and the essence of human agency, ultimately arguing that while our brains play a significant role in shaping our actions, the concept of free will remains a vital part of human experience and societal functioning.

2. 2. Tales From Both Sides Of The Brain

   A Life in Neuroscience

   

   This captivating memoir delves into the fascinating world of neuroscience through the lens of a pioneering scientist who played a pivotal role in split-brain research. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with groundbreaking discoveries, offering insights into how the brain's two hemispheres communicate and function independently. Through a blend of humor, humility, and scientific rigor, the book provides a unique perspective on the complexities of human cognition and the profound implications of understanding the brain's dual nature.

3. 3. Human

   The Science Behind What Makes Us Unique

   

   This insightful exploration delves into the intricacies of what it means to be human, examining the unique cognitive abilities that set us apart from other species. It investigates the evolutionary journey of the human brain, highlighting the complex interplay between biology and culture that has shaped our intellectual and social development. Through a blend of scientific research and philosophical inquiry, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of human consciousness, creativity, and the capacity for moral reasoning, ultimately painting a vivid picture of the extraordinary nature of human existence.

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4. 4. The Mind's Past

   

   Drawing on split-brain research and cognitive neuroscience, this work argues that the mind is a collection of specialized modules whose outputs are woven into a coherent narrative by a left-hemisphere “interpreter.” It shows how this storytelling mechanism confabulates reasons for our actions, shaping memory, identity, and the sense of free will. By tracing the evolutionary roots of these processes and the limits of introspection, it reveals how much of thought and behavior springs from unconscious systems that the conscious mind rationalizes after the fact.

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5. 5. The Consciousness Instinct

   Unraveling the Mystery of How the Brain Makes the Mind

   

   This book argues that consciousness is a real, biologically grounded product of the brain rather than a mystical or dualist phenomenon, and it should be explained by neuroscience and evolution; drawing on split-brain studies and other research, it presents a modular view of mind in which specialized systems generate perceptions and an ‘‘interpreter’’ constructs a unified narrative, producing the experience of a continuous self. It emphasizes consciousness as an adaptive, socially shaped capacity that allows prediction, moral reasoning, and flexible behavior, and it discusses the ethical and legal implications of locating responsibility in brain processes while defending the usefulness of concepts like free will for society. The overall aim is to show how careful scientific inquiry can dissolve confusions about subjective experience and place consciousness within a naturalistic framework.

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