Critical Neuroscience

elective courses

The course traces some of the major developments in neuroscience from the beginning of the previous century to the present day. Students learn about and acknowledge the achievements of neuroscience while also to critically evaluate the claims of ‘primacy’ of brain-based explanations of human mind and behavior.

The perception of neuroscientific theories and data as normatively significant is widespread. Both the scientific and non-scientific community rarely question the primacy of neuro- structures, -chemicals, and - mechanisms as full and complete explanations of the self, mind, and behaviour. In the midst of all this power and potency we award to neuroscience, scholars within “critical neuroscience” challenge and question this seemingly naïve acceptance of the human as a cerebral subject (e.g. the ‘we are our brains’ claim). They ask by what authority neuroscientists can claim that mental disorders are brain diseases? That love and attachment is the interplay between vasopressin and oxytocin? That prenatal testosterone surge explains homosexuality and gender identity development? That activity the neural correlates of honesty and deception tell the difference between lies and truth? Critical neuroscientist point out the importance of going beyond ‘normal’ scepticism of scientific explanations of everyday phenomena. The topics covered in this course are dealt with in the context of the development of our view of human mind, brain and behaviour. It will take into account their impact on psychology as in independent study.

Critical Neuroscience: A Handbook of the Social and Cultural Contexts of Neuroscience by Suparna Choudhury (Editor), Jan Slaby (Editor), Aug 2016, Wiley-Blackwell.

To become familiar with some major developments in neuroscience in the last and current century. To learn about the methodology of neuroscience: its strengths and limitations. Developing skills and competence in terms of becoming knowledgeable and critical scientists.

Assessment is based on a group paper and a written exam at the end of the course. The exam makes up 65% of the final grade and the paper 35%. The exam consists of several open non-essay questions based on the lectures and recommended readings listed in the course manual. For the paper, students work in groups of 3-4 students on a topic of choice. The paper is based on a case study and consists of a description of the case and its socio-cultural and scientific background, an evaluation of the case and its impacts on society, recommendations for future research and policies regarding the case. Grading criteria for the paper are made available in the beginning of the course.