Human Brain Mapping: Past, Present and Future

Najmeh Khalili Mahani (McGill University)

Le réseau neuroéthique de Montréal The Montréal Neuroethics Network  

 - SPECIAL SEMINAR-  

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Najmeh Khalili Mahani, PhD (McGill University, Montreal, Canada)    

Thursday, December 12th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Jeudi le 12 decembre, 12:00 – 13:00  
Title/titre:   “Human Brain Mapping: Past, Present and Future”  

Abstract:   With half a century of groundbreaking developments in neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), an old fascination with situating the locus of the human "spirit" in the "functional organization of the brain" has re-awakened. Primarily invented for radiologists to detect lesions and tumors in the brain, neuroimaging tools and techniques have now captured the imagination of other scholars, whose research involves a selective interpretation or compilation of neurological or psychiatric evidence that explains "the order of things" as it fits their theory. The media enthusiastically report of the brain circuit or regions that predict our predispositions to success, joy or sorrow. Addicted to our “self”, and peeping at it through the brain window, we live in a sort of “neuromania”. This is not historically unprecedented, except that now we have PET and fMRI, which serve as a “Mindoscope”. Both “neuromanics” and “neurocritics” claim that the fallout from these inventions will parallel the scientific revolution that followed the invention of Telescope and Microscope. Among the “neuromanics”, “neurophilosphers” claim that the practice of selecting the brain-mapping evidence that support their hypothesis, helps charter an "objective" model of human nature, morality, creativity. Equally enthusiastic, “neurorevolutionaries”, fascinated by economic prospects of neuroindustries, promise that by visualizing brain in action, they will uncover the secrets to becoming supermen. On the other hand “neurophobes” decry such arguments and remind of the marks left by “Eugenic sciences”. This work in progress, examines the historical precedents from Descartes onward, in the context of scientific developments in human brain mapping, as part of an effort to rescue legitimate neuroimaging from the fate of phrenology.

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Location: Room/Salle 255, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest

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All are welcome but please note that there are limited spaces. Please RSVP by December 11th  at [email protected].  

Tous sont les bienvenus mais SVP réservez d’ici le 11 decembre auprès de [email protected] afin de vous inscrire  

The Montreal Neuroethics Network promotes neuroethics training, education and dialogue by exposing various audiences to neuroethics issues; fostering collaboration and mutual learning; and ensure Montreal's leadership in addressing ethical and social issues in neuroscience and healthcare delivery through inter-institutional collaborations.  For additional information, please contact Dr. Eric Racine at:

Neuroethics Research Unit
Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal
Tel: +1 514 987-5723
Email: [email protected]  

Le Réseau neuroéthique de Montréal promeut la formation, l’éducation et le dialogue neuroéthiques en exposant divers publics aux enjeux neuroéthiques; en facilitant les collaborations et les apprentissages mutuels afin de développer le leadership à Montréal pour aborder les questions éthiques et sociales associées aux neurosciences et aux soins de santé dans un contexte de collaboration interinstitutionnelle.    Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez communiquer avec Éric Racine Unité de recherche en neuroéthique

Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal
Tél. : +1 514 987-5723
Courriel : [email protected]