Narrated by

Approximately 6 hours

Unabridged

Book published by

REVIEWS:

“The study of the brain is the 21st century's hottest subject not only in science but also in philosophy. If, as science now tells us, we are nothing more than robots controlled by a chemical analog computer called the brain, where does that leave such quaint notions as ethical behavior? Who better to say than one of the two most brilliant experimental neuroscientists in the world, Michael Gazzaniga? This is a provocative and highly readable book.”

—Tom Wolfe, author of Bonfire of the Vanities 

“If it were possible for this book to have been written a couple of thousand years ago, we might have avoided a lot of misery. What an important question it raises: what is known about the brain that can guide us in forming a set of rational ethical principles? The great frontier before us is the question of how we will deal with one another, and this fascinating book gets us on our way.”

—Alan Alda, Emmy-winning actor, writer, and director, and host of Scientific American Frontiers

“...This is a witty, well written, highly informed account of how our brain forms our beliefs and how we can determine what beliefs serve us best.”

—Robert Bazell, chief health and science correspondent, NBC News

“Wonderfully nourishing food for thought. Gazzaniga tackles some of the toughest ethical issues of our time with vigor, intelligence, and insight."”

—Diane Ackerman, author of An Alchemy of Mind

“A thoughtful and accessible introduction to an entirely new domain of moral concern. Gazzaniga writes with verve and expertise about the fascinating issues that will confront us as our knowledge of the brain expands.”

—Steven Pinker, author of The Blank Slate and How the Mind Works

“The Ethical Brain is an extraordinary book. Michael Gazzaniga asks profound questions about life, ethics, the brain, reason, and irrationality. His discussion of these issues is lucid, provocative, and deeply interesting. This is an important and fascinating book.”

—Kay Redfield Jamison, professor of psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

“Michael Gazzaniga, a pioneer of cognitive neuroscience, has written a compelling, accessible, and opinionated book that illuminates the profound issues that arise when modern neuroscience intersects with the concerns of ethics, religion, and public policy.”

—Steven E. Hyman, Provost, Harvard University

“When does life begin? When does it end? Is there a universal morality? Michael Gazzaniga's...exciting book provides new insights for researchers and all of us on brain research and ethical issues.”

—Michael Posner, University of Oregon

“He carefully and yet provocatively explores how neuroscience can shape an ethical discussion about brain science in our society...a very readable book.”

—Fred H. Gage, Adler Professor, Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies