Sex, Lies, and Brain Scans is aimed at fostering public engagement, scientific engagement concerning the applications of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) technologies. The applications appear to be predominantly within the realm of the criminal justice system, in a courtroom setting and extend to the vetting process of higher members of the judiciary echelons. (See Chapters Three and Four, ‘A Racial Bias Hiding In Your Mind ?’  and  ‘The Perfect Lie Detector?)

I won’t deny this book has a sexy, and alluring title and it is probably what attracted me in the first instance. The book consists of eight chapters opening with neurosciences ‘impact on society’.

Some of the key features in the remaining chapters are outlined below. (Chapter One ‘How Does Neuroscience Impact Society?,  Chapter Two ‘Can Neuroscientists Read Your Mind?,’ Chapter Three ‘A Racial Bias Hiding In Your Mind?’, Chapter Four ‘The Perfect Lie Detector?’,  Chapter Five ‘How Moral Is Your Brain?,  Chapter Six ‘Are You In Control?’ ,Chapter Seven ‘ Show Me Your Brain and I Know What You Buy?’, and Chapter Eight ‘Where Does This Leave Us?’. Notes and Index are included in the end.

Can Neuroscientists Read Your Mind? Chapter Two.

‘Can Neuroscientists Read Your Mind?’ stresses that ‘reading personal thoughts in great detail using fMRI is science fiction for now’ they walk through the gateways for maladaptive uses if the technology if the technology were to ever advance to this stage, and close with a series of hypothetical ethical questions, including legitimizing the invasion of privacy and security in counter-terrorism. In this chapter we have the introduction of the topic of machine learning algorithms in generating predictive responses, limitations of establishing neural hallmarks for thoughts, as far determining a baseline is concerned. This is due to the need to elucidate an individual’s neural activity. The complementary use of fMRI with other brain imaging tools the MEG and EEG (Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalogy) is presented as this can sometimes enhance the powers of fMRI depending on the uses.

Current intensified research efforts from a social cognitive approach in the areas of social neuroscience directed towards the piecing together of autism spectrum disorders is heavily weighted upon on the basis on Baron-Cohen’s research. Findings based on the ‘extreme male brain’ hypothesis are outlined. It makes one question if autism and ASD’s (Autism Spectrum Disorders) are in fact a manifestation of the ‘extreme male brain’ when it comes to communication, cognitive profiles and within the schema of brain architecture as Baron-Cohen suggests then what are the implications if ‘fluidity in gender’ exists? Baron-Cohen’s ‘extreme male brain’ hypothesis is emphasised in this book, but readers should not forget that it is one of the many approaches to understanding social cognition and autism. Are the social communication impairments which present themselves  in autism the symptom or condition? Is it time to refute classical gender based psychological theory? What about sex roles? I refer to the so-called ‘mosaic brain’ and the contentious issue of using gender as a variable in neuropsychiatric research. (Daphna et.al 2015, Daphna et al. 2017)

My main concern is how the above ties in with gender theory and cognition. And how does this effect the legitimacy of the sociocognitive model of communication theory? 

How Moral Is Your Brain? Chapter Five

Social cognition branches out into Chapter Five ‘How Moral Is Your Mind?’ when the authors explore possible diagnostic screening for psychopathology as a prophylactic measure to protect society.

The defense used for sociopathy in this book quite vehemently by the authors that persons with psychopathic personality disorder do not necessarily engage in harmful behavior, and screening for them does not mean that  they will commit crimes. I will refer to Hare an authority on psychopathy, and more information based on Hare’s work in this chapter would have meant that this chapter would have taken a different turn, and perhaps changed the entirety of the book’s direction. Due to the structure of psychopathic personality and the natural inclination towards criminality in which they are devoid of empathy. Hare distinguishes between ‘criminal’ and ‘subcriminal’ psychopaths. ‘Many psychopaths never go to prison or any other facility. They appear to function reasonably well – as lawyers, doctors, psychiatrists, academics, mercenaries, police officers, cult leaders, military personnel, business people, writers, artists, entertainers and so forth- without breaking the law, or at least without being caught and convicted.’ In Hare’s words the argument for the so-called ‘successful psychopath’ ‘ are more than offset by the broken hearts, shattered careers, and used-up people left behind.

As Hare states ‘crime is their [psychopaths] logical choice’ (Hare, 1993) and I leave Metapsychology Online Reviewers readers with this thought.

Are You In Control? Chapter Six

Moving on Chapter Six ‘Are You In Control?’ opens with the well-known marshmallow test and moves on to integrating ‘anecdotal’ evidence according to the authors of the ‘ General Theory of Crime’ which hypotheses that a  combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors  are involved in the development of self-control and features a ‘recent’ study from 2003 entitled ‘Neuroprediction of future arrest’ which enters the territory and very important question of recidivism (reoffending) and it’s prediction.

Some of neuroscience’s giants work are featured in the book, including but not limited to Daniel Wegner, Thalia Weatley and naturally Baron-Cohen, including links to some of their classic papers in the notes section.

The predictive use of neuroscience technologies in understanding and perhaps controlling consumer behaviour under Neuromarketing’s sphere of influence.

Closing future directions are given in chapter eight’s ‘Where Does This Leave Us?’ as well as issues with experimental design with using neuroimaging which can impede understanding and undermine the consistency of the results. The relationship between the intensity of the magnetic field used and spatial resolution is brought up here as well as the ethical dimensions of neuromarketing.

My hesitations with presenting convoluted scientific issues aimed at  the general public are justified at the risk of oversimplification.  Although understandably scientific issues overlap with social policy formation, and it is rarely and should not be the exclusive repertoire of practicing scientists to the exclusion of the public.

Overall the book features concisely presented complex topics from an exciting area of science, and as exciting as these topics are at first glance, a human dimension could have been put on some of the topics covered. The book generates more questions than answers, and librarians purchasing copies for readers will stand in good stead, as it could serve as a decent primer for those new to neuroscience.

 

© 2018 Alexandra Moraitis

 

Alexandra Moraitis (Dunelm).