Starting from an uncut paper square and proceeding through a series of careful folds, origami master Brian Chan has fashioned a detailed replica of the human brain, which he displays on his website.¹ Art imitates nature as tissue paper patterns the shape of living tissue. The fine wrinkles and fragile creases of Chan’s extraordinary model depict the brain’s intricate ordering and delicate construction.

Neuroscience opens many fascinating windows into human nature. In the quest to understand human consciousness, volition, and intentionality, there is much to learn from studying even the brain’s flaws and failures. 

Part 2

This lecture was originally delivered as a combined institute session during our 2009 preconference institutes. In this part of the lecture Dr. Cheshire explores the nature of slippery slope arguments, the meaning of normality, developments in cognitive enhancement, and arguments in favor of neuroenhancement.