Surprisingly neuroplastic human brains: reading, science, philosophy, theology
Date
2019
Authors
Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Graduate Theological Union (CTNS Program); Taylor & Francis, publisher
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Human brains, dramatically more complex than anything else in the known universe, are marvelously mutable. Recent neuroscience focuses on how humans create cumulative transmissible cultures which in turn shape mental development. When cultures become literate, cognitive powers escalate. Although until recently only a comparative few learned to read and write, this takes place with the serendipitous re-use of pattern recognizing capacities, such as those for recognizing faces. With sustained reading diligence, as required during education in science, philosophy, and theology, this results in advanced cognitive skills.
Description
Includes bibliographical references.
Rights Access
Subject
neuroplasticity
transmissible cultures
literacy
neural re-use
visual word-form re-use
exaptation
reading
writing
advanced language processing