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The ‘Gaze’ of the Neurosciences

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The Biomedical Sciences in Society

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Abstract

This chapter begins by outlining a history of the development of the cognitive neurosciences in its journey from being an esoteric laboratory-based field of research to the spreading of its influence within psychiatry and beyond into the social and cultural spheres. The chapter examines the impact of neuro-imaging technology in revolutionising the ability of scientists to create visual representations of the working of the human brain. It explores these processes utilising the notion of the ‘gaze’ and the process of ‘black-boxing’. This is followed by a discussion of the reasons why the brain sciences now pose a significant challenge to the psychological model of mental health. The chapter concludes by examining autism spectrum disorder as a case study of neuropsychiatric intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St Georges, University of London, London, UK

    Iain Crinson

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  1. Iain Crinson
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Correspondence to Iain Crinson .

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Crinson, I. (2021). The ‘Gaze’ of the Neurosciences. In: The Biomedical Sciences in Society. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9523-3_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-9523-3_4

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-15-9522-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-15-9523-3

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

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