Work

The changing brain: Neuroscience and the enduring import of everyday experience

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Discourses of 'neuroplasticity' have become increasingly apparent in the neurosciences and wider society. These connect with broader narratives about the 'changing brain' throughout the life-course. Here, we explore their presence in the talk of a range of publics. Their presence is indicative of how novel neuroscience is accepted, or not, by our participants. In particular, we suggest that any acceptance of the science relates to their personal and/or professional experiences of change (to their own or others' subjectivities) rather than to some intrinsic and widely-held significance of scientific concepts per se. Accordingly, we also submit that it is in part through the congruence of some neuroscientific claims to everyday experiences and perspectives that the former are rendered legible and salient. In this respect, 'lay' knowledge has considerable import for the wider cultural authorisation of that of 'experts'.

Source: Public Understanding of Science

DOI: 10.1177/0963662514521550

Authors: Martyn Pickersgill, Paul Martin, Sarah Cunningham-Burley

Institutions: University of Edinburgh, University of Sheffield

Language: English

Topic: Undergraduate Neuroscience Education and Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funders: Medical Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council