The Search for Ourselves

In this podcast episode, neuroscientist David Eagleman explores the question of what it means to know ourselves. He highlights the importance of understanding our brain's role in shaping our identities, using examples of brain damage that resulted in personality changes. The complexity and intricacy of the brain support the idea that our essence as individuals is rooted in our biology. Eagleman argues that the materialist and reductionist views, which emphasize the physical nature of our being, align with the evidence from neuroscience. He also discusses the influence of neurotransmitters, hormones, microorganisms, and genes on our behavior, challenging the notion of free will and suggesting that our choices are intertwined with our neurobiology.