Mental Biology  is a book about brain and consciousness.  The author, W.R. Klemm, DVM, PhD, is a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, at Texas A & M University; Klemm is, as well, a prolific writer, authoring over 500 publications.  In the book’s “Preface”, Klemm states forthrightly that the thrust of the book is about brain and consciousness (with consciousness being viewed from womb to tomb).  The book’s contents are, in fact, an intellectually expansive repository, harboring a copious amount of neuroscientific centric discourse.  The textual discourse, overall, is composed in relatively  esoteric fashion; albeit stylistic elements of plain English writing as well as bits and pieces of relative informality can be found also in the text’s body. 

It was immensely intellectually refreshing to read this book, exuding such superb knowledge and understanding of the subject matter comprising the text!

The mainstay intellectual pillar upholding the book’s substance is Klemm’s keen observation, of areas of substantive interest, with a keenly observing eye.

Numerous gaps in neuroscience knowledge are spotted by the discerning intellectual vision of Klemm.

The observations of Klemm are accompanied by bluntly (and expertly!) opinionated commentary.

Over the book’s course, Klemm’s critical scrutiny extends to research involving humans as well as various animal species.

A considerable number of research references are embedded in the textual terrain.

Following the text is a “Notes” section, giving citations for textually referenced materials.

The text’s body is adorned, didactically, with some highly instructive “Figures”.

Klemm anecdotally sews, here and there, some biographical details of his life seamlessly into the textual cloth.

The discourse of Klemm is notably tinged philosophically.

Substantively, the brain and consciousness are on centerstage in this book.  And, in Chapter 1, Klemm proffers the contention that , at the level of the individual person, a major natural selection force driving the creating of mental capacity and character is the human mind, especially the conscious mind.  As the chapter nears its end, Klemm further offers the claim that the book will show how the brain shapes its destiny; and that what a person thinks and does shapes brain function.

How brains work comprises the substantive cynosure, of Chapter 2.  In this enframing context, the wide sweeping ken of Klemm instructively and informatively sights:  neural networks; topographical mapping; circuit impulse patterns; nerve impulse patterns; neurotransmitters; “cognitive binding”; oscillation; the brain’s three minds (of:  nonconscious mind; unconscious mind; and conscious mind); wakefulness; consciousness as a brain state of being; self; and neuroplasticity.

The nature of consciousness rises to the substantive fore, of Chapter 3.  In Klemm’s view, the most profound human sense is the conscious sense of self.  Klemm discourses that, for full consciousness, sense of self is necessary but not sufficient; the hallmark of higher consciousness is introspection about one’s self.  It seems to Klemm that consciousness, as a state, is dependent more on circuit organization than on total number of circuits.

As Chapter 3 continues to unfold, Klemm, characteristically revealing much erudition and thoughtfulness, further expounds expertly on an array of issues relating to the nature of consciousness.  The expertly erudite discourse of Klemm ranges to thoughtful consideration of:  brainstem trigger of wakefulness; language; circuit impulse patterns as the currency of conscious thought; “mirror neurons”; oscillatory synchronization; “Global Neuronal Workspace”; working memory; habits and compulsions; hallucinatory consciousness; dreams; sleep; rapid eye movements; and slow wave sleep.

The writing of Klemm, in Chapter 3 and throughout the book, strongly shows fierce independence of intellectual thought.

Consciousness centric discourse continues with much intellectual vigor, in penultimate Chapter 4.  Avatars notably draw the  close scrutiny of Klemm, in this chapter.  With much intellectual deliberateness, Klemm ponders the possibility that circuit impulse patterns of conscious self are the equivalent of a brain created avatar that acts on behalf of the brain and body.  It is Klemm’s belief that the avatar is what makes people human.  Issues appertaining to the avatar are skillfully dissected and examined by the intellectually very sharp scalpel of Klemm.

In Chapter 4, the sharp blade of Klemm’s piercing acumen further cuts to the core of the issue of whether people are free, or are robots.

In Klemm’s blunt judgment, free will studies have been plagued by unwarranted simplistic assumptions; and robotocists commit major fallacies of logic or acceptance of insufficient data in interpreting such studies.  Klemm opines bluntly that, until science provides evidence, it is scientifically irresponsible to insist that there is no such thing as free will.

The perspective emphasized by Klemm is that everyday intentions and decisions may arise through a combination of unconscious and conscious actions.  Regarding habitual tasks, the unconscious mind issues the intent or decision; and the conscious mind then realizes what has been done.  Regarding novel or complex tasks, the conscious mind does the processing, and informs the unconscious mind.  The greatest value of the capacity for conscious choice, in Klemm’s view, is that it gives people power over themselves and their environment.  Klemm expresses the hope that his analysis of neuroscience research

regarding free will shows that the robotocist view is poorly supported scientifically.

Further areas studied closely by Klemm, in Chapter 4, in the enframing context of consciousness, encompass:  “change blindness”; learning; introspection; language; reasoning; creativity; personal growth; personal responsibility; placebo and nocebo effects; and epigenetics.

The “spooky science” of quantum mechanics attracts the close attention of Klemm, in concluding Chapter 5.  Sighting Einstein and relativity on his intellectual radar screen, Klemm raises the issue of the possible relevance of relativity to brain function and consciousness.  In this last chapter, Klemm further expounds on:  string theory; parallel universes; “dark matter”; dark energy; and near death experiences.  As the chapter draws to its end, Klemm thoughtfully puts forth some perspectives on science and the mind’s odyssey.

Particular ideas embraced by Klemm may not be shared fully by other experts.

And the cautionary note may be sounded that Klemm, equipped with a very powerful intellectual camera, has taken a highly revealing snapshot of parts of the area encompassing neuroscience; but research and clinical advances tethered to the realm of neuroscience are a movie in progress.

But surely, the very powerful intellect of Klemm will hold scientist readers in thrall.

Philosophers, as well, will quite likely be enthralled by the intellectual power of Klemm.

 

© 2014 Leo Uzych

 

Leo Uzych (based in Wallingford, PA) earned a law degree, from Temple University; and a master of public health degree, from Columbia University.  His area of special professional interest is healthcare.  Twitter @LeoUzych