Re: "Who is the thinker of my thoughts?"

204.210.34.199 writes:

Hi Lynn,

Science doesn't quite do things the way your question suggests but it is still a wonderful question. Let me give you a superb reference to go with the question rather than a response here which could not begin to cover the ground. If you can get this book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat by Dr. Oliver Sachs (a review as well as ordering info appear if you click on the preceding link) it will go a long way, a VERY long way towards answering the question.

Science has done a lot (so much it would encompass a huge library building to store it) to link specific thinking to the brain. If you can get past your traditional bias of souls and spirits about which nothing much is known except anecdotes of doubtful usefullness and really want some insight into what actually goes on, I suggest some readings into how PET (positron emission tomography) scans work and what they do-- which is to localize the areas of the brain which are working during particular activities including thinking and problem solving. I am sure there are some writings which are not very technical yet are informative.

But give Dr. Sachs a try-- he is funny, casual, and while he keeps it non-technical, he does not write down to the reader.

I am sure others will have many more suggestions.

Pierre