The Mystery of Consciousness: Dr. Iain McGilchrist’s Keynote

This conversation is part of an online seminar series bringing innovative thinkers into conversation with Iain McGilchrist to explore his philosophy as laid out in The Matter with Things.

I think it is the case that people can survive the removal of one hemisphere of their brain.

On the face of it, this destroys theories that depend on the two hemispheres performing distinct roles. Maybe I should wait until I have listened to the end of the video, but it does suggest that the real person exists in an immaterial sense and manages to control the brain regardless.

David

nbtruthman's critiques don't do it for me, alas, but maybe you're angle might help more.

Has nbtruthman left the forum - I very much hope not - otherwise why not just PM him?

David

Iain McGilchrist and Rupert Sheldrake delve into a spectrum of profound subjects, touching upon the essential role of spirituality in human endeavors, the revitalization of spiritual practices, and the fundamental structure of the cosmos. They discuss panpsychism's implications for the interconnection of consciousness and matter, the enduring nature of memory, the archetypal forms that underpin our reality, and the subtle energy fields that animate existence. The conversation also navigates the terrain of values and the purpose they serve in our lives.

I really enjoyed that discussion!

Do we know when it was recorded because Rupert was on top form, and by my reckoning he is now 82.

David

I think it is the case that people can survive the removal of one hemisphere of their brain.

On the face of it, this destroys theories that depend on the two hemispheres performing distinct roles. Maybe I should wait until I have listened to the end of the video, but it does suggest that the real person exists in an immaterial sense and manages to control the brain regardless.

David

Since nobody has responded to my question, I thought I would ask ChatGPT:

You said:
When someone has one hemisphere of the brain removed for some reason, how well does the other one cope, and does it matter which hemisphere remains
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT

The phenomenon of one hemisphere compensating for the loss of the other is remarkable, especially in younger individuals. When one hemisphere of the brain is removed—a procedure known as a hemispherectomy, typically done as a last resort for severe epilepsy or other unmanageable conditions—the remaining hemisphere can often take over many functions of the lost side. This ability to adapt is known as neuroplasticity.
1. Age is Crucial

The younger a person is, the better the brain’s ability to reorganize itself. In children, the remaining hemisphere can sometimes rewire itself to manage language, movement, and cognitive functions typically managed by the removed side. As people get older, neuroplasticity generally declines, so adults may face more challenges in adaptation after a hemispherectomy.
2. Specific Functions of Each Hemisphere

The left hemisphere generally manages language functions in most people, so losing the left hemisphere often impacts language skills. However, the right hemisphere can sometimes develop compensatory language skills, especially in young children. Adults, on the other hand, might lose some degree of language fluency, comprehension, or production.
The right hemisphere is often more involved in visual-spatial processing and nonverbal tasks. Losing the right hemisphere might affect these abilities, but the left hemisphere can also adapt somewhat, though likely not as efficiently as it would in a young child.

3. Long-Term Outcomes

Although physical or cognitive impairments are likely after hemispherectomy, many individuals still lead functional lives. For example, most can walk, and many can talk, read, and go to school or work. Some people may retain a slight limp or reduced dexterity on one side of their body, depending on which hemisphere was removed and at what age.
4. Educational and Supportive Therapy

Continuous rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, can help people adapt. With time and practice, many individuals regain considerable function and independence.

In short, the remaining hemisphere often can cope quite well, especially if the hemispherectomy is done early in life. Both hemispheres can learn to compensate for some functions of the other, though which hemisphere remains can influence the type and degree of adjustment required.

This confirms what I suspected - if the operation is performed at an early age, people recover from it pretty well - so a theory of consciousness that uses the two hemispheres in some sort of cooperation, doesn't make much sense.

David