A Historical Investigation Of Brain Science And Its Philosophical Discussion

Cognitive science is a hot academic now. As one of the important disciplines, neuroscience receives a lot of attentions. Neuroscience is also known as brain science, is a new discipline born in 1960s. It is also a cross discipline. To the last period of 20th century, the rapid development of brain science makes a lot of domestic published works. But to explore history in detail, and connect the research results of different ages are not common. Therefore, this article will re-examines this period of history by the history of science point of view, and make the appropriate synthesis of philosophical discussion.This article is divided into 3 parts. The first part reviews the researches before the birth of brain science. We will see, back in ancient Greece, people started thinking for the brain, although they haven't corresponding technique. But they provide a metaphysical foundation for the future generations. To the 17,18th century, because of the rise of natural science, people have begun research on the brain by using the scientific way. The foundation of several basic theories of brain science opens the new area of research for the practitioners of brain science. The second part is about the history of the development of brain science. The 20th century is the most important period for the birth of brain science. At first, some basic theories shaped. To the middle of 20th century, brain science appeared formally in the stage. In the end of the century, it received national attention, and these countries developed the appropriate strategy for the development of brain science. The final part selects two important philosophical discussions in the development of brain science, mind-brain problem and consciousness, and sums up the relevant discussions.