"Five Senses" explores the fascinating world of sensory perception, revealing how sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell shape our understanding of reality.
This book delves into the biological mechanisms and psychological processes behind how we perceive the world and how these senses protect us from danger.
For instance, our senses aren't just passive receivers of information; they actively interpret stimuli based on past experiences, making us susceptible to sensory illusions.
The book traces the evolution of our understanding of the senses, from philosophical inquiries to modern neuroscience, emphasizing the brain's active role in shaping our perceptions.
Each sense is explored in detail, starting with an overview of sensory perception and then diving into the anatomy, physiology, and neural pathways of each sense.
Sight explores the eye and visual cortex, while sound investigates the mechanics of hearing.
Touch delves into pressure, temperature, and pain, and taste and smell reveal how they create flavor and link to memory and emotion.
This approach integrates biological and psychological dimensions, highlighting the adaptive functions of our senses and their vulnerability to distortion.
