Book Review: Hanging Together

Abstract

Introduction:  The lengthy subtitle of this book says much about it. «A neuroscientist and a philosopher argue about ethics, human nature and the brain.» Perhaps the word «argue» is the one to hone in on first. The book is presented in dialogue form, and from time to time there is a genuine crackle in the exchanges. However, much of the early book is taken up with the question of whether it is really possible for the two to argue at all. Over and over again the very different outlooks of phenomenology and neurobiology are compared and contrasted with each other. Repeatedly Changeux suggests that neurobiology can inform philosophical discussion, and repeatedly Ricoeur responds by questioning the assumptions underlying the scientific claims. He also challenges the ability of science (at least as it presently exists) to capture fully the subjectivity of human existence and dimensions of meaning attached to it. In return, Changeux is prepared to play the waiting game by insisting that what is not known now may yet be known in the future.