Understanding Our Irrational Selves reverse engineers neuroscience models to understand how our brains create consciousness.
Dick A. Stoute, Ph.D., presents a model based on neural networks using information feedback, not reason, to create the scenes, sounds, smells, and tastes that define consciousness.
Brains assess the models they create and use feelings to inform us of their assessments. When a model conforms to what it represents, brains make the model feel right. In this book, the author considers questions such as:
Is there a more accurate model that recognizes both our irrational and rational abilities?
Is the rational model we normally embrace too simple?
What similarities does the brain have with artificial intelligence—and what are the implications?
The author contends that the idea that we are rational gives us feelings of certainty, confidence, and exclusivity, which can cause people to blame and punish themselves for failures.
He proposes an alternative model called "Build-Fight," which recognizes both our irrational and rational abilities. This new model can help humanity move from conflict to cooperation.
