Product Description

Written in a style similar to "Physics of Star Trek", "Star Trek on the Brain" explores the customs and behaviour of the characters from "Star Films" and episodes from the original "Star Trek" series, "The Next Generation", "Deep Space Nine" and "Voyager". The authors, psychologists and Trekkers, use "Star Trek" stories to describe the relationship between the mind and the brain, the complex connections between emotion and reason, the working of the senses and the changeability of the brain. Equipped with a glossary of the main characters and a list of episodes discussed, this book is for inveterate Trekkers and "Star Trek" novices alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1209390 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 244 pages

Review
The concept behind this book is truly ingenious, using the ideas and concepts of Star Trek as a vehicle for exploring the essence of the human mind. As so many of us are familiar with the mind-stretching ideas that feature in the much-loved television series and movies, the book functions as a perfect vehicle for discussing ideas about human memory, creativity, the function of the emotions and intelligence. The basic premise has all the drama of a classic Trek situation: in the 23rd century, a transporter mishap has cleaved Captain Kirk in two, leaving the USS Enterprise in the unsteady hands of both the rash and impulsive Kirk one and the meek, indecisive Kirk two. Neurologically, the accident has damaged the Captain's pre-frontal cortex, the part of the brain that stores memories crucial to decision-making. This boldly leads an expedition through the brain and mind. Fascinating and erudite, this is a science book that will find a wide audience. (Kirkus UK)

Customer Reviews

School Library Journal Review
This book was on School Library Journal's Best Books of 1998 List. It was originally reviewed in SLJ's December 1998 issue.

Out of this world and into your brain. Fabulous!
A wonderful diversion that also gives good science. The chapter on sex could teach Bill and Monica new tricks. I loved learning why we are the way we are through references to my favorite Star Trek characters -- now I know how Jordie can see with no eyes and why B'Elana has a chip on her shoulder -- but even those who never watched Star Trek will get it.

If you enjoy your brain, come learn more!
Delightfully fascinating and complete, this book is important for anyone who owns a brain and is interested in its workings -- that is, anyone who wants to understand themselves, or others, better.

The rich variety of the Star Trek milieu provides Sekuler and Blake with a deeper-than-usual backdrop against which to illuminate both the differences and the similarities which make us all human.

From sex to aggression, the authors deftly explore the drives, behaviors and processes which constitute our experience of living in the world.

Prior familiarity with Star Trek is not needed. Anyone drawn to the book by that name alone will be very pleasantly surprised by how much more they find here. Conversely, strangers to that fictional universe will gain a fresh appreciation of it as literature which explores the nature of the human condition.