Neuroscience and Art (and Neurochemical Explorations)

The brain is a complex organ that is often misunderstood; it is also central to the development of both art and sciences.  While many put a significant focus on the functioning's of the brain as well as the anatomy, I believe it is more interesting to understand the capacity of the brain, and how that capacity has been tested in history. Although many prolific neurologists/scientists have made efforts to understanding the inner-working of consciousness and unconsciousness, few have made as significant contributions as Sigmund Freud (see below).

His ideas of psychoanalysis, although criticized often for being oversexualized, allowed for the development of many new therapeutic techniques.  These contributions to current medicine can also be contrasted with the contributions to popular culture and western thought; his wide-ranging interpretation of repressed consciousness and libidos lead to the artistic interpretations of sexuality and mental health.

In addition to being an influential neurologist, Sigmund Freud was a cocaine addict; this close tie between scientific exploration of the brain, and neurochemical modification by synthetic drugs is seen throughout the history of neuroscience, psychiatry and scientific exploration.  One similar example is that of Timothy Leary, a Harvard University psychology professor and researcher (see below).

While he was the first prominent "intellectual" figure to begin experimentation regarding psychoactive drugs, he brought into popular attention the usage of psychedelics to promote understanding, mental health, scientific exploration as well as artistic inspiration.  Starting first with psilocybin in fungi, he later, in the early 1960s, began research with LSD on himself and graduate students.  His lingering reputation ended up centering on the criticism he got for "exhorting youth" to take recreational psychedelics, however his great contributions to music and literature give contrasting views on his character. A few examples of this legacy are Aldous Huxley's novels and the title of the music artists "the Doors".


References

Biography.com,. 'Timothy Leary'. N.p., 2015. Web. 14 May 2015.

Holzman, Philip S. 'Revidew Of Freud: A Biographical Introduction And Sigmund Freud.'.PsycCRITIQUES 18.2 (1973): n. pag. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. “Conscious / Memory (Part 1).” Lecture. 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DLVQIwOn7o8>

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 2).” 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xlg5wXHWZNI>

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 3).” 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E5EX75xoBJ0>

Webspace.ship.edu,. 'Sigmund Freud'. N.p., 2015. Web. 14 May 2015.