How the will Mediates Brain Functions: A Look at Dyslexia (and Dyscalculia)

Authors: Dozie Iwuh

DOI: 10.23880/nnoaj-16000181

Volume 8, Issue 2

Abstract

To a malfunctioning of parts of the brain, medical science is inclined to seeking out physical (neural) causes. Hypotheses as regards probable causes are made known and all these are within the ambience of the physical (empirical) attestation, after all every effect has to be proportionate to its cause. This means that if there is a physical effect, then it has to arise from a physical cause. We can tweak that line to say that no immaterial cause can produce a material effect. This is because it goes against the cause and effect principle. It is in this line of thought that many brain scientists are quick to dismiss any cause that is not as neurally material as its effect. But from experience we are certain of the fact that sometimes the effect is not sufficiently explained by the cause that is being proffered. This is what is seen as regards the brain and its functioning on a consciously evident scale. The cause sometimes is not robust enough to account for the effect. When this happens, what becomes of the integrity of medical science? Departing from the aforesaid question, we pose another question: is the Will explainable by trends found in medical science? The answer to that is already evident, as medical science is empirical (materially verifiable), and the will is not materially evident. In this research, we want to assert that the will is powerful enough to cause certain effects and changes in the functioning of the brain, as will be seen in the actions expressed in and by the human person. To make concrete the hypothesis proposed by this research, consideration is given to the cases of Dyslexia (and dyscalculia).

Keywords: Neurofunctioning; Brain; Dyslexia; Dyscalculia; Will; Brain Disorders; ADHD

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