Who's In Charge

Free Will and the Science of the Brain

Michael Gazzaniga

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

"Who's In Charge" by Michael Gazzaniga is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the complexities of human consciousness and free will. Drawing on his expertise as a leading neuroscientist, Gazzaniga challenges traditional notions of personal responsibility in the face of scientific discoveries about the brain.

In this captivating book, Gazzaniga delves into the fascinating world of neuroscience, shedding light on the intricate workings of the brain and how they relate to our sense of self and agency. He examines the impact of research on split-brain patients, who have had the connection between their brain hemispheres severed, revealing surprising results that challenge the idea of a unified and coherent self.

Through engaging anecdotes and rigorous scientific evidence, Gazzaniga dismantles long-held beliefs about free will, arguing that our actions are not solely determined by conscious decision-making but are instead influenced by myriad unconscious processes. He explores the influential role of genetics, environment, and brain activity, highlighting the intricate interplay of these factors in shaping our behavior.

With clear and concise prose, Gazzaniga skillfully navigates the complex terrain of neurobiology, presenting complex ideas in a way that is accessible and compelling. He encourages readers to rethink their assumptions about personal responsibility and moral judgment, urging a more nuanced understanding of the intricate dance between biology and behavior.

"Who's In Charge" challenges readers to contemplate the implications of the latest research in neuroscience for our legal systems, societal structures, and personal beliefs. Gazzaniga provokes thought and ignites conversation, ultimately inviting us to grapple with the age-old question: who, or what, is truly in charge of our actions?

Explore More Books

See All
Rage Becomes Her
Infrastructure
It's Garry Shandling's Book
Entangled Life
The Signal and the Noise
Nourishing Traditions
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Think Twice
A Mathematician's Lament
Writing My Wrongs
Mindset
The Power Of Productivity
Call Me by Your Name
The Fish That Ate The Whale
World Order
State of Fear
Animal Farm
Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy
Energy And Civilization
Why We Sleep
The Godfather
Shadow Divers
Snow Crash
The Trap
Scale
Fahrenheit 451
A Whole New Mind
Models. Behaving. Badly.
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Charlie Munger
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
Stress Test
Growth
Ford vs. Ferrari
Putin's Kleptocracy
Leapfrog
Dopamine Detox
Interventions
The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need
Tools of Titans
The Dovekeepers
Deep Value
How Innovation Works
Outliers
Poor Economics
The Third Chimpanzee
Plagues and Peoples
The Power of Positive Thinking
The Biggest Con
A Walk in the Woods
The Inflamed Mind
Olives
Bad For You
Behind the Cloud
The Blazing World
United States of Socialism
Moorish Spain
Fallen Dragon
Slow Horses
On Wings of Eagles
Out of the Crisis
Acid Test
The Vision of the Annointed
Fertility Pastures
The AI Revolution in Medicine
Catherine the Great
Road to Wigan Pier
Fall; or, Dodge in Hell
A Spy Among Friends
The Boys Vol. 1
The Discovery of France
The Wisdom of Crowds
Work Hard. Be Nice.
Dog Man
Talent Is Overrated
Frames of Mind
The Book of Awakening
Applied Minds
The Second World War
The Gospel of Wealth
Bitcoin
American Lion
Deep Work
Under Saturn's Shadow
Who
The Master Plan
Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar
The Making of a Philosopher
Globalizing Capital
The Viral Storm
Plants of the Gods
Experimental Man
In Pursuit of the Common Good
An Elegant Defense
Molecular Biology of the Cell
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Calm Your Mind with Food
The Choice
The Survivor
Washington