Brain imaging and the deconstruction of mind

Abstract

ObjectivesBrain imaging techniques today enable the study of functional connectivity between different brain regions, thereby providing insight into an individual's unique psychic world. The objective of this paper is to confront the classic notion of mind with the model of psychic processes developed and facilitated by brain imaging techniques. MethodsTechniques enabling the study of functional connectivity and connectivity abnormalities in mental disorders, and the potential usefulness of imaging techniques in recovery processes are reviewed. The questions of the contributions of brain imaging to understanding self and the elaboration of thoughts are also addressed. ResultsBrain imaging techniques enable a deconstruction of psychic processes, and a reconceptualization of these processes in terms of connectomics. We also show how most recovery processes in psychiatric illnesses primarily consist in improvements in dysfunctional connections. DiscussionThe study of brain functional connectivity leads to the construct of a vast, new imaginary sector, which could be called the “mind imagery sector”. ConclusionMind, freed from any metaphysical reference, is considered to be a product of brain activity. However, this should not imply that brain imaging can apprehend all the mind's complexity.