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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
The mind-brain relation and neuroscientific foundations: I. The problem and neuroscientific approaches
1Psychoanalytic Institute of New England East, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA. messiner@bc.edu
Abstract:
Understanding the mind-body relation is crucial for any meaningful advance in the psychoanalytic understanding of the neurobiological integrity of the human person and of the interaction between psychoanalysis and the neurosciences. Recent neuroscientific research has contributed significant findings having important implications for understanding the mind-body relation. Here the author comments on some theoretical positions regarding the mind-body problem of brain researchers in terms of the monistic-dualistic alternatives. Furthermore, the author briefly considers some of the recent technological advancements that have revolutionized thinking specifically about the mind-brain relation.
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