Neurology observes identity change from lesions without theorizing it

Evidence

Neurology, it is true, insists upon the way in which a brain lesion or traumatic event results in a total transformation of identity. Nonetheless, rather than theorizing this type of change as such, it merely observes it. Strangely, contemporary neurology has never upheld destructive plasticity as a key concept. It recognizes the phenomenon but not the law. — Catherine Malabou, The New Wounded, 3440

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Alzheimer’s produces a new identity rather than merely diminishing a person. — Catherine Malabou, The New Wounded: From Neurosis to Brain…, 53; Cerebral trauma victims need recognition that bypasses psychic translation — Catherine Malabou, The New Wounded: From Neurosis to Brain…, 351; Lesions hitting emotion-producing brain mechanisms alter identity — Catherine Malabou, The New Wounded: From Neurosis to Brain…, 489 (+9 more)

Broader Connections

• Neuroscientific findings remain inert without a new understanding of self #expands (0.90) — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 219
• Neuroscience without a theory of transformation exposes itself to ideological co-option #expands (0.88)
• Popular familiarity with brain facts does not yield self-knowledge #expands (0.85)
• Neurological case histories challenge the Freudian definition of psychic plasticity. #exemplifies (0.82) — Catherine Malabou, The New Wounded, 1294
• The loss of individual personality can itself become an identity #exemplifies (0.80)