The changing brain: Neuroscience and the enduring import of everyday experience

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Discourses of 'neuroplasticity' have become increasingly apparent in the neurosciences and wider society. These connect with broader narratives about the 'changing brain' throughout the life-course. Here, we explore their presence in the talk of a range of publics. Their presence is indicative of how novel neuroscience is accepted, or not, by our participants. In particular, we suggest that any acceptance of the science relates to their personal and/or professional experiences of change (to their own or others' subjectivities) rather than to some intrinsic and widely-held significance of scientific concepts per se. Accordingly, we also submit that it is in part through the congruence of some neuroscientific claims to everyday experiences and perspectives that the former are rendered legible and salient. In this respect, 'lay' knowledge has considerable import for the wider cultural authorisation of that of 'experts'.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)878-892
JournalPublic Understanding of Science
Volume24
Issue number7
Early online date4 Mar 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2015

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