I thought The Aspen Institute would be more balanced

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When I saw the announcement of The Aspen Health Forum at SharpBrains, I clicked right on over to see what presentations were being offered. Unfortunately the list was very disappointing. Despite their statement . . .

We will explore the most challenging issues and exciting developments in medical science — and how they may affect our individual health and that of our families and communities

they have included only the materialist perspective. Some of the most "exciting developments in medical science" are non-materialist (not measurable). Just one example: self-directed neuroplasticity, the ability to change our brain with our mind, has been proven and yet is largely ignored by the materialists. I thought The Aspen Institute would be more advanced.

Yes, there is one program on the mind but I took a look at the presenters and I bet you some wine and cheese that they will talk about the mind as if it is a function of the brain—not something that can command the brain.

I am reminded of when I e-mailed the author of "The Brain on the Stand" to ask him . . .

. . . why you did not mention neuroplasticity and self-directed neuroplasticity as described in, for example, Sharon Begley's newest book. Here reviewed are two new books on the topic:

http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2007/03/blog_glob_revew.html

I think the ability to rewire one's brain plays a big role in responsibility and more and more research is confirming this ability. As I said, I am curious to know why you did not include it in the article.

He was most gracious in his response and explained that there was only so much space in the article. That's sort of like writing an article about the political process leaving out mention of one of the political parties because the article could only be so long. (Click for my blog post on the neurolaw article.) I am hoping that as more and more people realize this one-sidedness, growing numbers of eyes will open  and look at the whole picture.

The human spirit, expectation, belief, attitude, thoughts, all have much influence on health. These phenomena are being researched and yet not one merited a presentation. Maybe next time The Aspen Institute can actually include "some exciting developments."

Comments

[Alvaro]

Hello Stephanie,

1) Sharon Begley moderates one of the panels, and I hope stays several days. You can't find a better translator for neuroplasticity research.

2) I proposed a wider presence of brain fitness and neuroplasticity topics, even within what you call the "materialistic" approach. They couldn't, or didn't want to, do it. Now, when I see the whole agenda and recognize this is their first Health event, I am very impressed by what they have put together. And am sure they are open to improving making future events even better

3) Let me disagree with your statement "Some of the most "exciting developments in medical science" are non-materialist (not measurable)" By definition, science is measurable. And that's what makes neuroplasticity such a fascinating field: how several practices, like meditation, cognitive therapy, cognitive training, schwartz's OCD work, are showing science-based, measurable effects, by analyzing precisely what happens in our very "materialistic" brain when we train "it" (you can call "it" brain or mind, it doesn't matter). Which then results in a refined mind experience.

This fascinating field is emerging...and, while no one is perfect, I am glad to see so many people trying.

[StephanieWestAllen]

Hi, Alvaro. I just wrote a long response to you and TypePad seems to have lost it. I am frustrated and so this will be much shorter.

Are you aware of the hot debate between materialism and non-materialism in science?

It is certainly The Aspen Institute's perogative to hold a materialist conference but I expected that they would be more balanced, maybe even just one program from the non-materialist perspective.

Basically the materialists think that nothing exists that can't be measured. I am not of that opinion.

Self-directed neuroplasticity and neuroplasticity are not the same thing so to include more neuroplasticity would not necessarily have addressed my concern. Is the mind in charge or is the brain? I say the mind. Yes, the difference between the mind and the brain does matter. It is huge. It sounds like you thnk the brain is in charge of the mnd?

Can't wait to read your posts about this conference. I know they will be good.