Brain: “Unauthorized” Biography, a Critical Review

Abstract

The Brain: The Story of You, David Eagleman put forward his theories about existential issues. By using empirical evidence and neuroscientific experiments, he tries to answer questions like “Who am I?”, “What is reality?”, “Who’s in control?”, “How do I decide?”, “Do I need you?” and “Who will we be?”. The questions name the chapters and guide possible responses. Eagleman explores brain surgery, sociability and empathy, genocide and even immortality, to conclude that human behavior is created by the brain. Brain development results from neurobiological factors beyond the individual’s will. The book is illuminating, but it has contradictions, inconsistences and disturbing corollaries. This is a critical review of the work.