BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE

In the 21st century, philosophy can no longer disregard in its studies and reflections on the knowledge we have acquired about the brain through neuroscience. The course intends to give the basics of cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. The structure of our brain will be illustrated by relating it to our cognitive abilities and our way of behaving.
This knowledge is fundamental both from a purely philosophical point of view (we can no longer talk about ethics, biothecics or formulate theories without knowing how our brain works) and from the point of view of the educational sciences. We cannot understand how to teach others if we do not know how our and their brains work.

Students will learn what the human brain is like. They will understand that every part of our brain controls our cognitive process and our behavior. At the same time they will be shown that it is not possible to consider the brain areas in isolation. Our brain, in fact, works through neural connections that are not only isolated but that interconnect all the brain areas.

A basic understanding of general psychology.

- How the brain is made
- The nervous system and the neuron
- Communication within and between neurons
- Brain and behaviour
- Cognitive processes and cerebral cortex
- Perception: from sensory systems to the creation of perception
- Action: muscles, muscle receptors, spinal reflexes and voluntary movement
- Genes, emotions and instincts

Kandel, Fondamenti delle neuroscienze e del comportamento, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 1999 (Limited to certain chapters that will be explained at the beginning of the course).

Verification of learning will take place through interaction with students in the classroom and final oral exam. For non-attending students there will be a special program illustrated at the beginning of the course.

The lessons will be interactive and will include active participation of students and materials to be studied in advance.

Italian

Given the peculiarity and specificity of the course within the master’s degree program in Philosophical Sciences is strongly recommended presence.

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