Citation

Fonseka C. Ceylon Med. J. 2000; 45(4): 156-157.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Sri Lanka Medical Association)

DOI

10.4038/cmj.v45i4.6574

PMID

11293958

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Whether the human brain is nothing but an advanced computer is a matter of inconclusive debate. This paper contributes to that debate.
METHOD: Critical reasoning based on evidence provided by the history of a woman who complained of amnesia after each of two separate acts of attempted suicide.
FINDINGS: A life-threatening tendency (suicidal impulses) may be countered by a functional imperfection (selective amnesia) or a feigned malfunction (malingering).
INTERPRETATION: Some aspects of brain function may depend on operations that no hitherto invented computer can duplicate.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Amnesia; Brain; Drug Overdose; Female; Humans; Pentobarbital; Philosophy, Medical; Suicide, Attempted