Description
Book SynopsisPaul Thagard explores the physiological workings and metaphorical resonance of balance in the brain, the body, and society. Bridging philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience,
Balance shows how an unheralded concept’s many meanings illuminate the human condition.
Trade ReviewFrom the absolutely literal—how a brain out of balance brings on vertigo—to a dizzying range of metaphors spanning science, medicine, politics, literature, and art,
Balance connects it all. The distinguished philosopher Paul Thagard applies his keen analytic skills to sort the all-pervasive metaphors of balance into the strong, the bogus, and the downright toxic. Like a balanced fine wine,
Balance is to be enjoyed. -- Keith Holyoak, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
Thagard presents a clever juxtaposition of the physical context of balance and a broader insertion of balance as a metaphorical tool, exploring important aspects of science and philosophy alike. Unique, synthetic, and compelling. -- Robert DeSalle, author of
Our Senses: An Immersive ExperienceFrom sub-atomics to global warming, neurons to societies, theory to practice—even COVID to consciousness—
Balance is satisfyingly vast. Thagard’s polymathic, interdisciplinary, approachable writing produces myriad insights (regarding religion, economics, politics, Trump, tipping points, toxic metaphors, “alternative facts,” etc.). Balance aptly centralizes equilibria (and sometimes helpful imbalances!) within humanity. Integrating even art, emotions, and health (e.g., avoiding falls, anti-vaxxers, and climate change), Balance boosts readers’ intellects. Breezy-yet-deep definitions complement innumerable identity-changing explanations—particularly about how Thagard’s “metabalance” helps reveal life’s meaning. -- Michael A. Ranney, University of California Berkeley
Exceptionally well written, organized and presented for both an academic and non-specialist general readership. * Midwest Book Review *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
1. Balancing Bodies and Lives
2. Balance and the Brain
3. Vertigo, Nausea, and Falls
4. Consciousness
5. How Metaphors Work
6. Nature
7. Medicine
8. Society
9. The Arts
10. Philosophy
Appendix: Balance and Imbalance Metaphors
Notes
Bibliography
Index
