Dirk Hommrich

Contemporary neurosciences dispose of non-invasive imaging technologies that open up the interior space of the human skull to explore its anatomic, genetic and molecular structures in vivo. Technologies like positron emission tomography, (functional) magnetic resonance imaging or single photon emission computed tomography are supposed to make it possible to discretely locate the brain regions or functions responsible for specific cognitive, emotional and social qualities in order to construct neuronal topologies. Psychophysiological and neuropsychological experiments in general as well as the physical measurements and digital images computed from such methods increase available information on spatial structures and functions of cerebral tissues and hence the biomedical data on social groups. This development is also accompanied by a popularization of two- and three-dimensional, animated and coloured virtual brain images in the mass media.
By analyzing popular science magazines, I examine the interdependence of technology and space in the imaging processes of the neurosciences and their vulgarized results, particularly in the area of brain-based learning and teaching. My PhD project studies the discursive effects of digital brain images and their methodic construction as well as non-invasive in-sights and invasive procedures with regard to their potential to normalise the socio-political sphere.
This project tries to show that these pictures and the reports accompanying them attract wide attention because both spatial and methodological premises of neuro-imaging and virtual brain images suggest that the personal self is to be located within neuronal topologies of the brain. Moreover, it analyzes the transformative potential of such neuro-topologies in the visual discourse of the German science magazine "Gehirn & Geist"; it studies the effects of the "learning brain" wrt. the presentation of pedagogical knowledge between experiment, technology and reform.

Last update: 09/09/2010