SKU: 92067164889

The Myth of Mirror Neurons: The Real Neuroscience of Communication and Cognition

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The Myth of Mirror Neurons: The Real Neuroscience of Communication and CognitionIn 1992, a group of neuroscientists from Parma, Italy, reported a new class of brain cells discovered in the motor cortex of the macaque monkey. These cells, later dubbed mirror neurons, responded equally well during the monkey's own motor actions, such as grabbing an object, and while the monkey watched someone else perform similar motor actions. Researchers speculated that the neurons allowed the monkey to understand others by simulating their

In 1992, a group of neuroscientists from Parma, Italy, reported a new class of brain cells discovered in the motor cortex of the macaque monkey. These cells, later dubbed mirror neurons, responded equally well during the monkey's own motor actions, such as grabbing an object, and while the monkey watched someone else perform similar motor actions. Researchers speculated that the neurons allowed the monkey to understand others by simulating their actions in its own brain.

Mirror neurons soon jumped species and took human neuroscience and psychology by storm. In the late 1990s theorists showed how the cells provided an elegantly simple new way to explain the evolution of language, the development of human empathy, and the neural foundation of autism. In the years that followed, a stream of scientific studies implicated mirror neurons in everything from schizophrenia and drug abuse to sexual orientation and contagious yawning.

In The Myth of Mirror Neurons, neuroscientist Gregory Hickok reexamines the mirror neuron story and finds that it is built on a tenuous foundation--a pair of codependent assumptions about mirror neuron activity and human understanding. Drawing on a broad range of observations from work on animal behavior, modern neuroimaging, neurological disorders, and more, Hickok argues that the foundational assumptions fall flat in light of the facts. He then explores alternative explanations of mirror neuron function while illuminating crucial questions about human cognition and brain function: Why do humans imitate so prodigiously? How different are the left and right hemispheres of the brain? Why do we have two visual systems? Do we need to be able to talk to understand speech? What's going wrong in autism? Can humans read minds?

The Myth of Mirror Neurons not only delivers an instructive tale about the course of scientific progress--from discovery to theory to revision--but also provides deep insights into the organization and function of the human brain and the nature of communication and cognition.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Published: 08/18/2014
ISBN: 9780393089615
Pages: 292
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.75h x 6.11w x 0.84d

Review Citations: Discover 09/01/2014 pg. 69
Publishers Weekly 05/05/2014
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2014
Booklist 07/01/2014 pg. 11
Choice 05/01/2015 pg. 1525
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SKU: 92067164889

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Marilee
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
a book that needed to be written!
Format: Kindle
Force of Nature is a wonderful book that needed to be written. A true -life adventure story that conveys the physical and emotional journey of a woman in her 50s who goes on a hike few dare try. The writing is incredibly sensory—full of everything she sees, feels, tastes and smells out in the wild. It’s a story of frustration and achievement, of triumphing over internal anxiousness and very real dangers and climbs. Beautiful writing, full of hope, great for book clubs and as a gift for nature-lovers. Hit the trail with Force of Nature!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
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Barbara R
New York, US
★★★★★ 4
Enjoyable, entertaining, engrossing
Format: Kindle
The Three Women, their JMT trail name, is a delightful read. You experience the beauty of nature and the wonders seen in the trail. You also experience the fear and anxiety that come with making such a trek. The bonds of friendship and support between the three and also all the other through hikers. An amazing read, the perfect balance of nature, friendship, compassion, struggle, and determination. Immerse yourself in this well written book.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
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PF Moore
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
An epic adventure, page after page!
Format: Paperback
Many women dream of making this hike (I once did) but few lace up their boots and get on the trail. And even a tiny fraction of those who DO realize their goal, could capture the experience like Joan Griffin. I read several chapters a night and always looked forward to getting back on the trail with her from my rocking chair. The grandeur of the sights, the wonder of seeing the world well above 8,000 feet ~ for 27 days ~ reads like a personal diary. Every perspective, high and low, is captured: the practical issues of carrying on even with a twisted ankle on Day 1, then blisters, surviving sudden weather changes, confronting inner doubts, securing essential food and water, and losing the camera enrich the book in an authentic style. In between all this, the reader remembers that it all took place with 40 pound backpacks on their backs! It's a magical but real-life journey with the inevitable personality differences of the Three Women, as well as their uniquely personal reasons to hike. As the brave heroes arrive to the finish line, one is aware of the power of grace that accompanied them all along. Yes, this experience changed the hikers but it also changes the reader. Being aware of those who live curiously and courageously provides a kind of encouragement for us to do the same, even after age 50.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
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Alicia Crumpton
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Inspirational Read
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
Griffin, J. M. (2023). Force of nature: Three women tackle the John Muir Trail. Black Rose Writing. Joan Griffin loves exploring and lives in the Northern California foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Five legs, 27 days, 195.9 miles, this is a memoir of three 50+ women hiking the John Muir Trail located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Each day receives its own chapter providing a vivid description of the trail, challenges, and beauty. Walking created an "unpredictable reality," that was "bigger in every conceivable way than [her] imagination could have conjured." As you read through the story, you are transported to the trail, so vivid her recollections and descriptions of their experiences. She wore a necklace with the words strength, courage, and spirit; a mantra that served her well along the journey. Griffin found: "I found my very soul had acclimated to the natural world, and I was completely in tune with the Earth and the sky and the water surrounding me." Such an inspiring memoir! This would be a good read for 50+ women who need a good dose of inspiration, those who like travel memoirs, and those interested in long-haul walking.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
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CJM
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Arm chair traveling on a cold winter retreat
Format: Paperback
This was the perfect book to get me back into reading! I’ve happily filled my evenings, transported to the John Muir Trail traveled by The Three Women. Your descriptions of such an immense beauty and reflections of your personal journey were at times like being on the trail with you all! An inspirational read!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2025

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