Feb 20 20:22
2 mos ago
64 viewers *
English term
government
English
Medical
Medical (general)
neuroscience
Dear colleagues, I’m not sure how to interpret “government” in the sentence: “our brains consist of a government of neural systems from different evolutionary periods with different areas of specialization and strategies to achieve their goals” taken from the passage below about the interpersonal neurobiology of executive functioning.
I guess the author uses “government” to evoke the “executive” functioning... but I’m not sure... How would you rephrase “government" in this case?
Thank you so much for your help!
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At this point in the development of our understanding of executive functioning, we have to take a fresh look at the scientific and clinical data that have been neglected for so long. For example, we now realize that our brains are social organs, and it is our ability to communicate with one another that has at least as much to do with the rise of civilization as the expansion of the prefrontal cortex. *** We know that our brains consist of a government of neural systems from different evolutionary periods with different areas of specialization and strategies to achieve their goals.*** We also realize that group dynamics and interpersonal regulatory processes impact all aspects of neural functioning.
I guess the author uses “government” to evoke the “executive” functioning... but I’m not sure... How would you rephrase “government" in this case?
Thank you so much for your help!
********************************
At this point in the development of our understanding of executive functioning, we have to take a fresh look at the scientific and clinical data that have been neglected for so long. For example, we now realize that our brains are social organs, and it is our ability to communicate with one another that has at least as much to do with the rise of civilization as the expansion of the prefrontal cortex. *** We know that our brains consist of a government of neural systems from different evolutionary periods with different areas of specialization and strategies to achieve their goals.*** We also realize that group dynamics and interpersonal regulatory processes impact all aspects of neural functioning.
Responses
+1
2 hrs
Selected
control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center
control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center
Note from asker:
| Thank you so much, Kiet, for your interesting contribution! Actually, I think the author may be using a sort of metaphor for "government" taken probably by Donald Hebb (see Discussion), but I guess your proposal of "governing center", may be a valuable alternative... |
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Cilian O'Tuama
: control centre was my immediate thought too, but I reckon there's a better solution.
4 hrs
|
|
Thank you!
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you so much, Kiet, for your help! I think I'll choose "governing center", because "governing" hints at the "government metaphor" and "center" doesn't conflict with the following "neural systems".
A big thank you to Marijke for her information about the possible "government metaphor" and a sincere thanks to all other contributors!"
+1
8 mins
Marijke Singer
Spain
Spain
Native in English
&
English
Specializes in field
Spain
Technical translator with Math degree
Native in: English 
, Spanish
Works in: Dutch to English, Spanish to English, English to Spanish, and 3 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
4
government
A comparison is being made between the way our brain works and how a government works:
"Our brains aren’t monolithic, but rather a complex government of neural systems. Like any bureaucracy, these specialized neural systems are hierarchical, interactive, and fluid networks that perform all of our adaptive functions-- from seeing and walking, to thinking and feeling. Each neural network has a specific set of functions, its own evolutionary history, and developmental course. Optimal brain functioning, as well as good mental health, require the proper development, integration, and communication of the various neural networks related to cognition, emotion, sensory and motor experience, and social interactions."
https://www.drloucozolino.com/neuroscience/yg6oqejrgj0j9iqs6...
"Scientists have long used the metaphor of government to explain how they think nervous systems are organized for decision-making."
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-your-nervous-s...
"Our brains aren’t monolithic, but rather a complex government of neural systems. Like any bureaucracy, these specialized neural systems are hierarchical, interactive, and fluid networks that perform all of our adaptive functions-- from seeing and walking, to thinking and feeling. Each neural network has a specific set of functions, its own evolutionary history, and developmental course. Optimal brain functioning, as well as good mental health, require the proper development, integration, and communication of the various neural networks related to cognition, emotion, sensory and motor experience, and social interactions."
https://www.drloucozolino.com/neuroscience/yg6oqejrgj0j9iqs6...
"Scientists have long used the metaphor of government to explain how they think nervous systems are organized for decision-making."
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-your-nervous-s...
Note from asker:
| Thank you so much, Marijke, for your valuable contribution! |
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Michael Beijer
25 mins
|
| neutral |
Cilian O'Tuama
: Is it possible to pause your "photo"? All the movement is irritating if you're trying to read content.
6 hrs
|
| neutral |
liz askew
: strange, so few hits for "government" in this sense, and the author is Italian, so I am wondering....:)
15 hrs
|
| neutral |
Yvonne Gallagher
: yes, agree a comparison is being made but we don't define a term with the same term? 100% CL?
2 days 17 hrs
|
+3
14 hrs
Khalid khan
Pakistan
Pakistan
Works in field
Pakistan
Professional native language Translator
Native in: Urdu (Variant: Pakistan) , Pashto (Pushto)
Works in: Pashto (Pushto) to English, Urdu to English, English to Urdu, and 7 more.
control system
In the context of the sentence you provided, "government" is being used metaphorically to describe the organization or control system within our brains. Here, it refers to the coordination and management of various neural systems, each with its own evolutionary history, specialization, and strategies.
Essentially, the sentence suggests that our brains operate like a complex governing body, with different neural systems representing different departments or branches, all working together with their own unique functions and objectives to achieve overall goals.
Essentially, the sentence suggests that our brains operate like a complex governing body, with different neural systems representing different departments or branches, all working together with their own unique functions and objectives to achieve overall goals.
Note from asker:
| Thank you so much, Khalid, for your interesting contribution! Actually, I think the author may be using a sort of metaphor for "government" taken probably by Donald Hebb (see Discussion). |
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
liz askew
: or "command centre" https://oxford.shorthandstories.com/the-make-up-of-the-brain...
1 hr
|
| agree |
Yvonne Gallagher
: closest to meaning though rather OTT to claim 100% CL
2 days 3 hrs
|
| neutral |
Kiet Bach
: I thought of "control system", but when you put into the original text, it becomes "a control system of neural systems".
2 days 3 hrs
|
| agree |
British Diana
2 days 8 hrs
|
Discussion
It is not only about ruling a nation but the rules/authority for other things as well.
The rules governing grammar for example
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/govern
https://www.google.it/books/edition/The_Neuroscience_of_Psyc...
The large brain, like large government, may not be able to do simple things in simple ways. —Donald Hebb