About the Book

We've all witnessed this moment: a dog, a cat, or another animal reacting to its own reflection in the mirror, treating it as another animal to be played with or confronted. As human beings, we take self-recognition for granted, but this seemingly simple ability represents one of the most complex mysteries of neuroscience. The Face in the Mirror takes readers on a lively tour of the neurological, anthropological, and psychological roots of self-recognition -- from the intricate network in the brain that enables higher primates to recognize their image to complex, self-related emotions such as humor, embarrassment, and jealousy that play a crucial role in our evolution and survival. From animals who share our ability for self-recognition to case studies of patients who no longer recognize who they are, the authors examine some of the latest evidence on a subject that has puzzled philosophers and scientists for millennia -- how do we know who we are?

Critical Praise

“[Keenan] purges [scientific literature] of jargon, and explains in plain language the experiments investigators have performed.” — Booklist

This engaging book…will delight readers curious about the mind and the scientists who study it.” — Publishers Weekly

“Fascinating … Keenan’s writing is breezy and conversational, and the book is exciting and fun to read.” — San Diego Union-Tribune

“[A] remarkably clear book.” — Salt Lake City Tribune

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780060012809
• ISBN 10: 0060012803
• Imprint: Ecco
• On Sale: 07/06/2004
• Pages: 304
• List Price:22.00 CAD
• BISAC1 : SCIENCE / General
• BISAC2 : PSYCHOLOGY / Neuropsychology
• BISAC3 : PSYCHOLOGY / Animal & Comparative Psychology
• BISAC4 : PSYCHOLOGY / Cognitive Psychology & Cognition
• BISAC5 : PSYCHOLOGY / Cognitive Neuroscience & Cognitive Neuropsychology

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