Damasio, Antonio R., Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain

Abstract

Since Descartes famously proclaimed, "I think, therefore I am," science has often overlooked emotions as the source of a person&146;s true being. Even modern neuroscience has tended, until recently, to concentrate on the cognitive aspects of brain function, disregarding emotions. This attitude began to change with the publication of Descartes&146; Error in 1995. Antonio Damasio&151;"one of the world&146;s leading neurologists" (The New York Times)&151;challenged traditional ideas about the connection between emotions and rationality. In this wondrously engaging book, Damasio takes the reader on a journey of scientific discovery through a series of case studies, demonstrating what many of us have long suspected: emotions are not a luxury, they are essential to rational thinking and to normal social behavior.