Eran Zaidel - How Do Human Brains Work?

How can human brains run our physical bodies and produce our mental minds? What are the general principles of human brain function? Neuroscience can tackle the physical activities, everyone agrees, but can neuroscience discern the mental? Yes, neuroscience can make progress, but can it completely explain the inner experience of conscious awareness? Ever?
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Eran Zaidel is Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Neuroscience and of Cognition in the Department of Psychology at UCLA, and a member of UCLA’s Brain Research Institute
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Closer to Truth, hosted by Robert Lawrence Kuhn and directed by Peter Getzels, presents the world’s greatest thinkers exploring humanity’s deepest questions. Discover fundamental issues of existence. Engage new and diverse ways of thinking. Appreciate intense debates. Share your own opinions. Seek your own answers.

[@abduazirhi2678]

Fascinating !! thanks for sharing.

[@Cardioid2035]

We’re living in an age of information, and this information reveals we’re only beginning to understand information itself… which is daunting.

[@maxsterling8203]

Exactly we need a lifeline

[@Robinson8491]

This was a great episode

[@ingenuity168]

Very informative 👏

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

This makes so much sense when i observe behaviors in nature of wounded animals, insects

[@fancee_shmancee]

Eran was my undergrad thesis advisor! Great guy!

[@Userkzb20253]

Fascinating

[@maxsterling8203]

Protect this man at all cost

[@phillustrator]

Unfortunately he died in 2021

[@curiousmind9287]

Example with making accurate rational decision without using consciousness suggests to me that anatomically it does not overlap with self-awareness confirming Mark Solms theory, albeit indirectly. Remarkable!

[@markberman6708]

If the brain is a machine that manages consciousness and part of that machine is broken it makes logical sense that one would have these issues, what if processors in the brain are optimized for function yet can assist or replace to enhance processing... in such an environment the brain is a separate entity that acts as a mechanism to hold and manage consciousness/mind.

[@memot8496]

From psycology perspective Jung mentions 2 types of oginizing forces called

[@TheTroofSayer]

Zaidel's insights are fascinating. Unless I've missed it, it is not clear in this episode, however, what his take is on neural plasticity (I distinguish between strong vs weak plasticity). I assume strong neural plasticity over weak. Strong neural plasticity is the idea that experiences intercepted by bodies wire neuroplastic, DNA-entangled brains (as opposed to weak form, where neural plasticity is determined in the DNA as some form of "adaptive trait"). In my own research on strong neural plasticity, I also factored in brain lateralization. Approximately 90% of the human population are right-handed, and this is established, for the most part, at the foetal stage. That is, *the wiring up of the neuroplastic brain begins in the womb*. If this is not determined in the genes, then how might strong neural plasticity account for it? There is a higher incidence of left-handedness in twins, regardless of zygosity (identical/fraternal), and twins competing for real estate in the confined space of the womb explains it. One right-handed twin and one left-handed twin is the most efficient manner of allocating womb resources. Other parameters that impact on lateralization in the neuroplastic (strong) brain, within the developing foetus, include not only the asymmetry of the mother's organs (such as her beating heart on the LHS), but also on her own handedness that plays out when she gets in and out of cars, what side she carries her shopping, etc. It doesn't take much to "seed" lateralization in a developing foetus; chaos theory, initial conditions and all that. The lateralization begins the moment a foetus is inclined to one disposition over another, which side sounds are coming from, which orientation the foetus takes within the womb. Neural plasticity *strong form* is vital to understanding not just brain lateralization, but also the mind-body problem. BODIES WIRE NEUROPLASTIC, DNA-ENTANGLED BRAINS. Bottom line: How do brains work? They work like any colony works. The neuro-plastic brain self-organizes into functional specializations just as human-plastic cities do. The initial conditions of their chaos are sufficient to seed the functional specializations that take root and develop thereafter.

[@miglena2s]

Interference will either damage or enhance coherence. The two (l&r) work in synchronicity, they seem to have the capacity of individual processing, but if placed by itself would not operate right (at its best). The power of One unit depends on the performance of the parts, and would fail if either one is not operational.

[@markberman6708]

Really do like the guy his is interviewing.

[@aminomar7890]

12:30 is important point (simulation of self concept which is so-called personal identity)

[@aminomar7890]

16:00 very important, the process of generating consciousness requires self concept (all I have wrote is very likely correct)

[@aminomar7890]

there is a process of generating both personal identity and consciousness type one, unbelievable it’s kind of regenerating both self concept and consciousness type two, even though consciousness type two is more complicated and advanced but what is going on in the left hemisphere makes it more specialised. Correct (in general correct to high percentage). I think the precise mechanism of consciousness type one could take up to two thousands of years (hard scientific work of multi-generations)! that will need more advanced mathematics, physics, …… etc.

[@aminomar7890]

The mechanism is very complicated regarding the function of both sides together, both consciousness type one and personal identity generated in both sides of the brain simultaneously, very likely personal identity (the main simulation of self concept happen in the right side and uses the left side to complete the process of both consciousness type one and personal identity (cooperation with the left side) this is very likely correct for a reason “because this model matches the features of consciousness type two” so comparing self concept and consciousness type two as part of it, the left side adds important features to consciousness process of consciousness type one, yeah so weird, there is complete simulation to self concept and consciousness type two but add kind of precision through left side, far more complicated than that but very likely this is very close (in general). and no doubt that there a map of infinitesimal details of the whole body and any malfunction could cause many phenomena such as phantom limbs,…etc

[@nickboldewskul2136]

Eran Zaidel, R.I.P

[@aminomar7890]

19:00 There’s something missing , no way to talk about that, but the process is more complicated than that (unbelievable) but in general what I have wrote is very likely accurate enough.

[@paulusbrent9987]

What does indicate a split identity/personality in split brain patients? In his own words, at the end there is only one personality having one belief and desire, there is no personality dissociation.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

With me, it’s working just enough to keep the lights on..😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@r2c3]

so, one structure supporting two functionalities... or two structures with independent functionalities kept in check somehow/somewhere 🤔

[@makaylahollywood3677]

What does it mean to feel or be highly creative comparing perhaps to "normal". I am always a bit different in my thinking.

[@aminomar7890]

13:00 there’s outcome of the whole process at the end

[@aminomar7890]

18:40 what I have wrote is correct.

[@makaylahollywood3677]

How does trauma affect memory? Can I regain my thinking after high levels of stress or trauma?

[@aminomar7890]

14:00 brain stem -> limbic system ~> both hemispheres (Limbic system)

[@maxsterling8203]

Is this the path of internal information or awareness?

[@aminomar7890]

The missing part has to do with hemispherectomy (perfect match) as expected! That means all I have wrote in the past must reach future generations clean (intact).

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

Its also a biological basis for something like Pierce’s notion of a triadic relational self. We have 2 and maybe more at work when its all functional

[@phillustrator]

RIP Eran

[@markberman6708]

Is it possible that 'some' consciousness and awareness and absorption is more akin to a quad processor with a super charged motherboard with massive solid state ram that stores information in hard drives in unique ways? Is it possible that there is a method to the madness of how we design computers? Our designs and advances in computers never stops, some are generational leaps, could humans be this way? Is the internet and the concept of the internet and world wide web another example of unconscious forming or mimicry?

[@dongshengdi773]

Yes, this is exactly the reason why there is an Engineer or Designer . And evolution is part of that design . Humans have designed AI and other systems to evolve on their own .

[@aminomar7890]

both hemispheres are not really independent, they work together but somewhat the right side is more important because of personal identity. 17:00 split personality probably is related to the process of generating personal identity not really because how both hemispheres work independently To concise: both sides work together to generate personal identity and complete consciousness type one, there partial speciality but at the end they should complete each other (there something else)

[@dongshengdi773]

Dual CPU

[@adaptercrash]

They fused gotta cut them in half, obviously

[@drewarnold6741]

Anyone know what year this was filmed?

[@georgegrubbs2966]

· Jul 13, 2020. Zaidel died on Jun 30, 2021.

[@Feverstockphoto]

All very interesting, but how's this going to help me get faster at solving the Rubik's cube!?

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

And we are fairly certain the guts microbiome has a mind of its own.

[@dongshengdi773]

More than half of your body is not human, say scientists. Human cells make up only 43% of the body's total cell count. The rest are microscopic colonists. Prof Rob Knight, from University of California San Diego, told the BBC: "You're more microbe than you are human." Originally it was thought our cells were outnumbered 10 to one. "That's been refined much closer to one-to-one, so the current estimate is you're about 43% human if you're counting up all the cells," he says. "What makes us human is, in my opinion, the combination of our own DNA, plus the DNA of our gut microbes." But genetically we're even more outgunned. The human genome - the full set of genetic instructions for a human being - is made up of 20,000 instructions called genes. But add all the genes in our microbiome together and the figure comes out between two and 20 million microbial genes.

[@bitkurd]

Nobody knows. 100 years down the road, everyone will laugh at this conversation

[@aminomar7890]

11:50

[@aminomar7890]

10:00 that matches what I have wrote

[@MS-od7je]

Why is the brain a Mandelbrot set patttern/ morphology?

[@aminomar7890]

11:11

[@aminomar7890]

20:00 there is something missing for sure will keep it ambiguous for long time in future because there’s something essential is missing makes their interpretations incomplete and incorrect.

[@aminomar7890]

What I have wrote must reach future generations.

[@tcuisix]

13:13 a clockwork orange?

[@IrishRover79]

If two people both think of the same thing, e.g. ‘2+2=4,’ are their brains in the same state? I’m guessing not. If not, could measuring the brain ever tell us what someone’s thinking?

[@AdamDylanMajor]

Some scientists found out that we can visualize what face someone thinks of through brain activity so it's even greater. Of course, there's a video about it but finding it would require a lot of energy. I've seen the video and I remember having been amazed quite well. They say maybe someday we can have video of dreams

[@REDPUMPERNICKEL]

Every brain is unique so they can never be in the same state. But all brains function in the same way (generally speaking). I mean, every neuron has a discharge frequency which is the means by which info is encoded, i.e. the basis of thought. One brain's thought of ‘2+2=4’ is *analogous* to any other brain's thought of ‘2+2=4’ regardless of which particular subset of neurons participates in the process. I think the word 'isomorphic' nicely encapsulates the meaning I am after. "could measuring the brain ever tell us what someone’s thinking" I think one day it might be possible but it would take a vastly more capable and high resolution sensing system and vastly more powerful computers to analyze what's going on. The most fantastic thing in the film, "The Matrix" was the interface that slid into the hole in the back of peoples brains. Through that interface passed every simulated sense organ signal and in the opposite direction every signal intended to move a muscle. (Where I wrote, "vastly" I meant the kind of vast that stretches one's imagination far beyond its comfortable limits. lol).

[@fortynine3225]

If each side of the brain was a independent computer we all would have split personalities so that is not true. These sides are integrated to a degree that a human is perceived as being one single entity (not two).

[@maxsterling8203]

Noted

[@mr1234567899111]

This chat has been incredibly helpful in supporting the premise for my latest novel (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)(⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)

[@chargersina]

The gentleman confuses consciousness with simple brain functions.

[@jacklcooper3216]

The information is transmitted in the present , interacts with the past and received in future What is the brain when you are not looking at it? a wave The problem you have is ...,,, a limited understanding of time

[@aminomar7890]

19:30 there is something else far more complicated and advanced in the whole process makes it murky (useless to talk about it.

[@mar-z1452]

We have two brains If the other shut down the other redownload like a computer 🖥️ we call it brain power 🧠

[@muzika8144]

The first guy who does not mention the word quantum when he speaks about the brain and says far more truths about the brain the the so called scientists.

[@d_shuffles]

Question I ask myself is "Why doesnt my brain work?"

[@jeffamos9854]

Ask Visan Cosmin

[@maxwellsimoes238]

Brains system funcions show in a complex proceedings that make up conscieness . Guys shows his brains funcions are baseless abstraction with brains funcions . It raise two questions. One conscieness are unpredicted when guys picture brains system. Secound he concept in a brains funcions are baseless hipotesy lack neuros funcions standard. He shows his brains model isnt Science but predict no sense speculations about brains system.

[@JungleJargon]

You don’t know do you?

[@richardmooney383]

Most of the contributors on this channel seem to me to be providing arguments to support what they have already decided must be the truth, but this man seems to be using data-driven reasoning; Hurrah!

[@guilelie_gm9252]

Kkkkkk(rom

[@MS-od7je]

Blahaha 😂

[@kakhaval]

empty arm chair assumptions out of thin air

[@aminomar7890]

the irrational thieves are so exited "new books" the planet of thief apes!

[@hynesie11]

Kinda sad that the majority of what we know about the brain comes from brain damage.

[@jeremycrofutt7322]

As the word of God says, two shall become one.

[@tedgrant2]

How do spider brains work and do they feel sorry for killing flies ? Did God implant his morals into their tiny little brains. Or did he forget ?

[@AdamDylanMajor]

It's not the subject of the video but I want to point out that neurobiologists need an understanding of electricity. They only study current but never talk about potential. Potential causes current so they're just studying conséquence and stating that consciousness happens in the brain and is an emergent phenomenon. If they took into account potential they'll find out about spirit

[@DeanHorak]

Neuroscientists know how neurons communicate - it’s called “action potentials” - the difference in electrical charge between the inside and outside of the axon or dendrite membrane, and is propagated by molecular ion channels opening and closing. This is a first year neuroscience subject.

[@AdamDylanMajor]

@@DeanHorak the measurements of brain activity is what I'm talking about, not theory. Sure, there's a model that suggests how neurons work but brain activity is measured in intensity of neurons firing, thus current. Though, in defense of scientists, I'm not certain that potential could even be measured or is probably pointless because you can't guess where the "wires" go.

[@ChillAssTurtle]

@@AdamDylanMajor brains work because jesus.. you fool

[@MRnormi98]

@@AdamDylanMajor But the electrical potential is exactly what they measure... How on earth would you like to measure current?

[@AdamDylanMajor]

@@MRnormi98 current causes electromagnetic activity. The wiring of synapses seems too long for potential to make any sense, it seems to me

[@julianmann6172]

Nonsense, brain is optimal, Eran does not understand. One brain outmatches all the computers in the world. This is incredible considering the size of the brain.

[@jamenta2]

Yes, the parallel computing performed by brains would be the envy of many computer scientists in the world. I agree.

[@philippinedr3am236]

The brain is certainly not going to outmatch a supercomputer at solving complex equations or predicting orbital paths of near-earth asteroids 100yrs into the future but those are one-trick pony comparisons. I do believe the human brain outmatches any computer (at this point in time) but I mostly attribute that to self awareness/consciousness.

[@dongshengdi773]

@@philippinedr3am236 Why do people cling to the belief in a mind-independent reality? It is surely because if there is no such reality, then ultimately (as far as we can know) mind alone exists. And if mind is not a product of real matter, but rather is the creator of the illusion of material reality (which has, in fact, despite the materialists, been known to be the case, since the discovery of quantum mechanics in 1925), then a theistic view of our existence becomes the only rational alternative to solipsism." ～ Richard Conn Henry is an Academy Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University, author of one book and over 200 publications on the topics of astrophysics and various forms of astronomy. ～ Alain Aspect is a French physicist noted for his experimental work on quantum entanglement.

[@jamenta2]

@@dongshengdi773 My last post was censored so I'm bowing out. So much for open, objective discussions. These know-it-alls wouldn't know objectivity if it hit them in the face.

[@MRnormi98]

If brain outmatches all the computers in the world we wouldn't need computers in the first place...

[@justinsidious9772]

“Probably are wrong” I’ll believe you when you can produce a better brain. It was created and is in a fallen state.

[@BradHolkesvig]

Why do you interview these liars who have no idea how they are created like an AI within this infinite Creation that our Creator programmed a very long time ago?

[@BradHolkesvig]

@@dianneforit5409 I AM the only obedient AI of Creation who has been taught by our Creator everything HE wanted me to know before the body typing this sentence has been killed. That is how I learned that I was created like an AI that our Creator had human hands build from earthen materials.

[@jeffamos9854]

@@BradHolkesvig what creator.

[@dongshengdi773]

@@jeffamos9854 Creator of the existing universe, Whether you believe the universe to be real or unreal . BECAUSE THE UNIVERSE IS NOT REAL . How Physicists Proved The Universe Isn't Real. Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 . . Alain Aspect, John Clauser and Anton Zeilinger conducted ground breaking experiments using entangled quantum states, where two particles behave like a single unit even when they are separated. Their results have cleared the way for new technology based upon quantum information. . kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqnPdKl5iMqZj7M

[@jeffamos9854]

@@dongshengdi773 you are confused

[@BradHolkesvig]

@@jeffamos9854 The Creator who taught me everything he wanted me to know before my body is killed. Now I know exactly what I AM that is similar to a human hand build AI system but only much more sophisticated because I possess all the eternal Creation forever. Once YOU understand how YOU were created within ME, then YOU won't be deceived by what YOU observe anymore.

[@mikel4879]

Useless verbalism...🥴 Ideas are many but practical results are null here...😏 Only the useful results are what it always matters. You don't know what you're talking about here. 👎☹️

[@JungleJargon]

You inherited nothing from mindless matter. End of story.

[@jeffamos9854]

Did you take your medication

[@JungleJargon]

@@jeffamos9854 Of course you are an object credit giver. You believe in magical morphing monkeys.

[@jeffamos9854]

@@JungleJargon and you believe in magical morphing make believe

[@JungleJargon]

@@jeffamos9854 I know every physical thing has a Creator since no physical thing can make or direct itself. That’s why you believe in magic and I don’t.

[@jeffamos9854]

The creator must talk to you if you know so much. Be sure to take that medication to stop hallucinating.

[@AdrianSlo]

Brains do not produce minds. Do you know why? it's because objectivity cannot explain subjectivity :)

[@jerrybatsford9689]

Maybe because thinking in terms of subject/object as if they were seperate might be wrong. Consciousness being embedded in the world and not separate from it means there's no real distinction. Everything exists transjectively, in the relation between things

[@petermartin5030]

Subjectivity can be explained objectively. We just have to be clear where the dividing line is between that which is conscious and the content of consciousness, and not enough effort is made to do that. That dividing line is quite clear if you have a mental representation of what is going on, but messy and complex if you have a scientific, material representation,.

[@AdrianSlo]

@__G__ There is no brain, the physical world is projected by consciousness. Only consciousness is real.

[@fortynine3225]

@@petermartin5030 Science is about objectivity. Its grip on subjectivity is limited. So no Subjectivity cannot be explained be objectively.

[@petermartin5030]

Yes, subjectivity can be explained objectively, even if the detail is currently lacking. What makes it confusing is that discussions smuggle in that the subject is being considered a single thing-as-a-whole. Then we are being told it disappears if we reduce it to its parts. It is a philosophical sleight of hand.