Introduction The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains is a non-fiction book written by American writer Nicholas Carr published in 2010. The book follows Carr’s argument that the invention of new technology leads the networking of the brain to significantly change, lowering the attention span and concentration of humans, and leading individuals to develop habits that cannot be easily altered later on. Chapter Two: The Vital Paths Nicholas Carr utilizes chapter two of his book to explore various theories of the brain relating to the topic of brain plasticity throughout history, and to further explain how the brain markedly alters after repetitive interactions with technology. Carr introduces Friedrich Nietzsche’s experiences with the Malling-Hansen …show more content…
Carr continues onto the progression of scientist’s theories of the extent of brain change. Formerly, neurologists and biologists perceived that the brain was only malleable during childhood and stopped when humans reached their adult years, and only a few argued that the adult brain could still continue to grow. Individuals such as Ramon y Cajal and Immanuel Kant embraced the argument that the brain was fixed. This idea that the brain reached a point where it became unchangeable lead to the concept of “neurological nihilism” as stated by psychiatrist Norman Doidge, which influenced the notion that mental illnesses could not be curable. However, others argued the idea of neuroplasticity. Biologist J.Z. Young contended that the brain constantly adapted to new situations. Additionally, psychologist William James argued the brain could change to a structure different than it was previously. The theory of brain plasticity finally became widely accepted after an experiment done by Michael Merzenich. After observing monkeys following an incision on their sensory nerves, he