In this provocative book, Paul Glimcher argues that economic theory may provide an alternative to the classical Cartesian model of the brain and behavior. Glimcher argues that Cartesian dualism operates from the false premise that the reflex is able to describe behavior in the real world that animals inhabit. A mathematically rich cognitive theory, he claims, could solve the most difficult problems that any environment could present, eliminating the need for dualism by eliminating the need for a reflex theory. Such a mathematically rigorous description of the neural processes that connect sensation and action, he explains, will have its roots in microeconomic theory. Economic theory allows physiologists to define both the optimal course of action that an animal might select and a mathematical route by which that optimal solution can be derived. Glimcher outlines what an economics-based cognitive model might look like and how one would begin to test it empirically. Along the way, he presents a fascinating history of neuroscience. He also discusses related questions about determinism, free will, and the stochastic nature of complex behavior.

Reviews
"Decisions, Uncertainty, and the Brain is a worthwhile book." -- William H. Redmond, Journal of Economic Issues
"The book is an absorbing introduction to the emerging field of neuroeconomics." -- Kenneth Silber, Tech Central Station
"The book presents an extraordinary, thought-provoking, challenging, and immensely charming account of present and future neuroscience." -- Wolfram Schultz, Science
"Glimcher has achieved an extraordinary synthesis of perspectives that have remained isolated for far too long. He views the brain as a system designed to maximize neither pleasure nor social or economic success, but biological fitness instead. He goes on to show why this matters in fields as disparate as psychology, economics, and his own field of neurobiology. This is an impressive and highly readable journey through vast areas of scientific and philosophical knowledge." --Alex Kacelnik, Professor of Behavioural Ecology, Oxford University
"Glimcher's seminal book is a must-read in the emerging field of neuroeconomics. His analysis of the biological foundations of economic behavior makes for exciting reading for economists and neuroscientists alike, who will be fascinated by his insightful research connecting neuronal firing and economic decision making." --Kevin A. McCabe, Professor of Economics and Law, and Director of the Neuroeconomics Laboratory at the Interdisciplinary Center for Economic Science, George Mason University
"Glimcher does extraordinary neuroscience and relates it to the most fundamental of all questions: how the brain makes decisions. His use of game theory to characterize decision making in both humans and monkeys under conditions of strategic conflict is unique. What could be more important than studying the neurobiological basis of volitional choice in earnest? The implications and applications of his work are singular." --Michael S. Gazzaniga, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Dartmouth College 

Table of Contents
Acknowledgmentsxiii
FurtherReadingxv
Preface
I.Historical Approaches 1
1.Rene Descates and the Birth of Neuroscience
2.Inventing the Reflex 33
3.Charles Sherrington and the Propositional Logic of Reflexes 55
4.Finding the Limits of the Sherringtonian Paradigm 77
5.Neurobiology Today: Beyond Reflexology? 111
6.Global Computation: An Alternative to Sherrington? 131
7.Modularity and Evolution 145
II.Neuroeconomics169
8.Defining the Goal: Extending Marr's Approach171
9.Evolution, Probability, and Economics 205
10.Probability, Valuation, and Neural Circuits: A Case Study 225
11.Irreducible Uncertainty and the Theory of Games 271
12.Games and the Brain 299
13.PuttingItAllTogetherI. Behavior and Physiology 319
14.Putting It All Together II. Philosophical Implications 337
References 347
Index 

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