The book starts with a look at the evolution of the human mind, seeing how our brains relate to those of other animals. Rose goes on to consider the development of our brains during our lifetime, starting from a few cells in an embryo, through childhood to maturity and in to old age. The later chapters of the book looks at the possibilities which our knowledge of the brain might bring, although Rose's view is that much of it is hype. I felt, however, that some of his arguments were weak. That drug companies will use any means to maximise profits he sees as being obvious - and so not needing any supporting argument. Such a style of writing may be OK when pointing out the possible dangers posed by advences in neuroscience, but I thought he also missed the point when criticising Chomsky's ideas of a 'grammar module' in the brain. But if you can put up with such a style of argument then you'll find plenty of interest in this book. The book gives a useful overview of neuroscience and provides a vital glimpse of where it is likely to lead - information that we will all need to make informed decisions in the coming decades.

Note The US version of this book has the title The Future of the Brain: The Promise and Perils of Tomorrow's Neuroscience (even though Amazon are trying to persade you to buy both)"; include "amazinf.php"; ?>