Newsletter of the Julian Jaynes Society - Volume 36, Issue 1

Table of Contents

• President's Message
• Articles
• Book Reviews
• News and Announcements

President's Message

Dear Members,

The Jaynesian: Newsletter of the Julian Jaynes Society (Volume 1, Issue 1)

by Marcel Kuijsten

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	813 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
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I am pleased to present the first issue of Volume 36 of the Newsletter of the Julian Jaynes Society. This issue is packed with thought-provoking articles and reviews that explore the work of Julian Jaynes and its implications for the study of consciousness, mind, and culture.

In the first article, "The Bicameral Mind and the Evolution of Consciousness," Dr. Julian Jaynes himself provides a concise overview of his theory of bicameralism. This theory posits that the human mind evolved from a bicameral state, in which the two hemispheres of the brain functioned independently, to a modern state, in which the two hemispheres are integrated and self-conscious.

The second article, "The Self-Organizing Mind" by Dr. Antonio Damasio, explores the implications of Jaynes' theory for the study of consciousness. Damasio argues that the mind is a self-organizing system that is constantly adapting to its environment. He also discusses the role of the body in consciousness, and how our bodily experiences shape our thoughts and feelings.

The third article, "The Cultural Evolution of Consciousness" by Dr. Merlin Donald, explores the implications of Jaynes' theory for the study of culture. Donald argues that the evolution of consciousness has been closely linked to the evolution of culture. He also discusses the role of language in consciousness, and how the development of language has allowed us to develop new ways of thinking and understanding the world.

In addition to these articles, this issue also includes a number of book reviews, news, and announcements. I encourage you to read all of the articles and reviews in this issue, and to share your thoughts with us on the Julian Jaynes Society website.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Peat

President, Julian Jaynes Society

Articles

The Bicameral Mind and the Evolution of Consciousness

By Dr. Julian Jaynes

In this article, Dr. Jaynes provides a concise overview of his theory of bicameralism. This theory posits that the human mind evolved from a bicameral state, in which the two hemispheres of the brain functioned independently, to a modern state, in which the two hemispheres are integrated and self-conscious.

Jaynes argues that the bicameral mind was characterized by a lack of self-consciousness and a reliance on external authority. He also argues that the bicameral mind was more prone to violence and aggression than the modern mind.

The evolution of consciousness, according to Jaynes, was a gradual process that began with the development of language. Language allowed us to develop new ways of thinking and understanding the world. It also allowed us to develop a sense of self and to reflect on our own thoughts and feelings.

Jaynes' theory of bicameralism has been controversial, but it has also been influential. It has helped to challenge traditional views of consciousness and has led to new insights into the evolution of the human mind.

The Self-Organizing Mind

By Dr. Antonio Damasio

In this article, Dr. Damasio explores the implications of Jaynes' theory for the study of consciousness. Damasio argues that the mind is a self-organizing system that is constantly adapting to its environment. He also discusses the role of the body in consciousness, and how our bodily experiences shape our thoughts and feelings.

Damasio argues that the self-organizing mind is not a passive recipient of information. Rather, it is an active agent that constantly interacts with its environment and shapes its own experiences. He also argues that the body is an integral part of the mind, and that our bodily experiences play a crucial role in our thoughts and feelings.

Damasio's work on the self-organizing mind has helped to challenge traditional views of consciousness. It has also led to new insights into the nature of the mind and its relationship to the body.

The Cultural Evolution of Consciousness

By Dr. Merlin Donald

In this article, Dr. Donald explores the implications of Jaynes' theory for the study of culture. Donald argues that the evolution of consciousness has been closely linked to the evolution of culture. He also discusses the role of language in consciousness, and how the development of language has allowed us to develop new ways of thinking and understanding the world.

Donald argues that the evolution of consciousness has been a gradual process that has been driven by cultural factors. He also argues that language has played a crucial role in the evolution of consciousness, and that the development of language has allowed us to develop new ways of thinking and understanding the world.

Donald's work on the cultural evolution of consciousness has helped to challenge traditional views of consciousness. It has also led to new insights into the nature of consciousness and its relationship to culture.

Reviews

The Mind's I

By Douglas Hofstadter and Daniel Dennett

Reviewed by Dr. David Peat

The Mind's I is a fascinating exploration of the nature of consciousness. Hofstadter and Dennett argue that consciousness is an emergent property of complex systems, and that it is not reducible to the activity of individual neurons. They also discuss the role of language in consciousness, and how the development of language has allowed us to develop new ways of thinking and understanding the world.

The Mind's I is a challenging and thought-provoking book that will appeal to anyone interested in the nature of consciousness. Hofstadter and Dennett's unique perspectives on consciousness offer new insights into this complex and fascinating topic.

Consciousness and the Self

By Thomas Metzinger

Reviewed by Dr. Antonio Damasio

Consciousness and the Self is a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the study of consciousness. Metzinger provides a detailed account of the different theories of consciousness, and he also discusses the latest research on the neural correlates of consciousness.

Consciousness and the Self is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of consciousness. Metzinger's clear and concise writing style makes this book accessible to a wide range of readers, from students to experts.

The Embodied Mind

By Francisco Varela, Evan Thompson, and Eleanor Rosch

Reviewed by Dr. Merlin Donald

The Embodied Mind is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional views of the mind. Varela, Thompson, and Rosch argue that the mind is not a disembodied entity, but rather is embodied in our bodies and our interactions with the world.

The Embodied Mind has had a profound influence on the study of consciousness. It has helped to shift the focus of research from the internal workings of the brain to the interactions between the brain, the body, and the environment.

News and Announcements

The Julian Jaynes Society is pleased to announce the following news and announcements:

• The Julian Jaynes Society will be holding its annual conference on June 22-24, 2023, at the University of California, Berkeley. The conference will feature a number of presentations on the work of Julian Jaynes and its implications for the study of consciousness, mind, and culture.
• The Julian Jaynes Society is offering a new online course on the work of Julian Jaynes. The course is taught by Dr. David Peat, President of the Julian Jaynes Society. The course will provide an overview of Jaynes' theory of bicameralism and its implications for the study of consciousness, mind, and culture.
• The Julian Jaynes Society is now accepting applications for the 2023 Julian Jaynes Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a graduate student who is conducting research on the work of Julian Jaynes.

For more information about the Julian Jaynes Society, please visit our website at

The Jaynesian: Newsletter of the Julian Jaynes Society (Volume 1, Issue 1)

by Marcel Kuijsten

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	813 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE