Neuroscience + Art

Neuroscience

Neuroscience is defined as a science that studies the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. This area of research is multidisciplinary, combining knowledge from various fields such as physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, cytology, psychology, physics, computer science, chemistry, medicine, statistics, and mathematical modeling. The objective is to understand the properties and functions of physical components of the brain that enable it to process information and regulate bodily functions. Key areas of investigation include the biological basis of learning, memory, behavior, perception, and consciousness, which have been described as a significant challenge in the biological sciences.

Carl Jung

In "The Spiritual Problem of Modern Man" by Carl Jung, he explores the spiritual crisis facing modern humanity. Jung argues that modern society has lost touch with its spiritual roots and is suffering from a collective loss of meaning and purpose. Jung begins by discussing the concept of the "modern worldview," which he describes as a materialistic and rationalistic perspective that has replaced the traditional religious worldview. He argues that this shift has led to a loss of the sense of transcendence and has left many people feeling spiritually adrift. This can be related to what Giovanni Frazetto and Suzanne Anker discuss in "Neuroculture". In it they explore the intersection between neuroscience and culture. They discuss the history of neuroscience and how it has evolved over time, from its earliest roots in philosophy to its current status as a highly respected scientific discipline. While technology has advanced and our understanding behind the brain has become more fact supported by proof and less theory (i.e. phrenology), it is easy to see how Jung feels a loss of spirituality. However with loss of spirituality in this sense, comes great advancements. After all, it was believed that the human thought and emotion were in the heart.

Brain and Spirit Connection

Works Cited

Biography.Com, www.biography.com/scientists/carl-jung. Accessed 17 May 2023.

Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. “Neuroculture.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience, vol. 10, no. 11, 2009, pp. 815–821, https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2736.

Neuroscience News. “Schizophrenia Risk Genes: Placenta’s Role May Outweigh Brain’s.” Neuroscience News, 15 May 2023, neurosciencenews.com/schizophrenia-placenta-genes-23241/.

“Neuroscience.” Wikipedia, 10 Feb. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroscience.

“The Spiritual Problem of Modern Man.” The Jung Reader, 2012, pp. 219–233, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203721049-20.

“What Happens in the Brain during a Spiritual Experience?” Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322092. Accessed 17 May 2023.