Thinking nonlinearly about brain dynamics: a neurocommentary

Abstract

Despite significant progress over the past several decades in neural research there still remains an ingrained tendency to approach the field using overly reductionistic as well as linear theories and methods. We are just beginning to appreciate the complexity of the brain. A further shift in our "consciousness" about neural dynamics is needed to take the next steps in brain research. We need to use more reflexively what we have learned about the nonlinear dynamical and complex nature of the brain to attempt to "bootstrap" our own thinking processes about neural science itself.