High-tech brains: a history of technology-based analogies and models of nerve and brain function

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Kyle L Kirkland

Abstract

This article reviews some of the technological devices and ideas which have been used over the years to answer the question, how does the brain work? It describes some of the early technology-based analogies and models of nerve fibers, and then discusses other analogies and models of the brain based on mechanical and electrical technologies. There are also short sections on cybernetics, telephone exchanges, and computers. Although all of these ideas are flawed to some extent, this article offers a brief argument on the usefulness of analogy and abstraction in brain science.

Citations

Nov 10, 2009·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Tiago V Maia
Jul 7, 2010·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Vladimir Brezina
Sep 18, 2020·Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology·Erika VersalovicEran Klein

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