The Cerebral Code

William H. Calvin's 'The Cerebral Code' presents a radical view of brain function, suggesting that Darwinian principles of natural selection operate within the brain.

The book argues that spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity compete for dominance, with successful patterns replicating and spreading.

Calvin identifies six essential aspects of this creative Darwinian process, including patterns, copies, variations, competition, natural selection, and inheritance.

He proposes that the cortex has the machinery for all six, allowing for rapid adaptation and refinement.

The book explores concepts like panelation and local extinctions to explain how the brain dynamically rearranges itself.

It suggests that even our thoughts and mental states are constantly shaped by internal evolutionary pressures, offering a unique perspective on how the brain learns and adapts.