Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
10:09
Isolation and Cultivation of Neural Progenitors Followed by Chromatin-Immunoprecipitation of Histone 3 Lysine 79 Dimethylation Mark
Published on: January 26, 2018
Neural and mental hierarchies
1Department of Neurology, Medical University Vienna Vienna, Austria ; Vienna Psychoanalytical Society Vienna, Austria.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 29, 2012
Summary
This article contrasts hierarchical brain and mind science concepts with current non-hierarchical theories. It traces the hierarchical tradition
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
- History of Science
Background:
- The study of the brain and mind has historically followed two distinct traditions.
- One tradition, rooted in phrenology and classical localization, influences current neuroimaging interpretations of brain function.
- The other tradition stems from Hughlings-Jackson's hierarchical neurological theories and Herbert Spencer's philosophical ideas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of hierarchical concepts within brain and mind sciences.
- To highlight the contrast between hierarchical approaches and contemporary non-hierarchical theories in neuroscience.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of scientific and philosophical traditions in brain and mind sciences.
- Conceptual outlining of hierarchical frameworks.
- Comparative analysis with current cognitivistic and non-hierarchical neuroscientific theories.
Main Results:
- Identified two parallel historical traditions in brain and mind sciences: localizational and hierarchical.
- Demonstrated the historical influence of phrenology and localization on modern neuroimaging.
- Highlighted the evolutionary perspective (ontogenetic and phylogenetic) as a key feature of the hierarchical tradition.
Conclusions:
- Hierarchical concepts offer a distinct framework for understanding the brain and mind.
- This perspective contrasts significantly with prevailing non-hierarchical and cognitivistic theories in contemporary neuroscience.
- Understanding these historical traditions provides crucial context for current neuroscientific debates.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Hierarchy of Motor Control
The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
01:25Neural Circuits
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
01:13Organization of the Nervous System
The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...
01:30Organization of the Brain
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
01:19Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types
Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, can be classified based on both their structural and functional characteristics.
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
01:23Functional Divisions of the Nervous System
The nervous system, responsible for sensing, integrating, and responding to various stimuli, is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS has two functional divisions: the sensory or afferent division and the motor or efferent division.
The sensory division transmits information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. It provides the CNS with knowledge about somatic senses (such as tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations)...
The sensory division transmits information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. It provides the CNS with knowledge about somatic senses (such as tactile, thermal, pain, and proprioceptive sensations)...