The End of the Empty Organism: Neurobiology and the Sciences of Human Action - Hardcover

by Elliott White (Author)

In a singularly fundamental challenge to the positions widespread among social scientists, White distances himself from the reductionist models of the human brain. He asserts, basing his thought on the authoritative findings of modern neuroscientists, the causal potency of human self-awareness. The acceptance of such a potential in mankind transforms the behavioral sciences into the science of human action.

Implicit in the evolutionary context of this perspective is a basic indeterminism inherent in human science. White stresses the central role of conscious purpose in human action and emphasizes the importance of choice and its consequences at the level of political community. In urging a consideration of the significance that neuroscience has for the behavioral sciences, White explores truly basic issues at the heart of those disciplines. He makes a persuasive case for interpreting human action as purposeful, conscious, choice-based, and cumulatively unpredictable.

Author Biography

Elliott White is professor of political science at Temple University, Tokyo campus. He received his PhD from the University of Chicago. Dr. White has edited Sociobiology and Human Politics (1981) and co-edited Biology and Bureaucracy (1986).