In "The Brain and Emotion," Edmund T. Rolls explores the brain mechanisms underlying reward and punishment, emphasizing how far we have advanced in understanding these processes. Rolls argues that the reward value of stimuli is tied to high-level sensory representations rather than crude sensory analysis. The book focuses on the brain mechanisms related to emotion, discussing how emotions are defined in terms of reactions to rewards and punishments. Rolls' approach is similar to that of LeDoux, but he covers a broader range of emotions and emphasizes complex networks of brain areas rather than single regions. Rolls also addresses the role of consciousness in multi-step planning for rewards, proposing two routes to behavior: a fast, reward-based one and a slower, conscious one based on long-term rewards. While Rolls' definition of emotions may be too narrow, the book provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on emotion. The book is well-structured, integrating detailed accounts of brain anatomy and neural network modeling with examples that help readers understand their own behavior. Rolls' work is an impressive achievement, though it may not fully capture the complexity of emotional experience. "Designing Babies: The Brave New World of Reproductive Technology" by Roger Gosden discusses advances in reproductive technology and their implications for human genetics. Gosden highlights the potential for greater control over the reproductive process and the possibility of predetermining the health and characteristics of children. The book addresses the ethical concerns surrounding reproductive technologies, including the concept of "designer babies." Gosden's work is timely, given the rapid developments in assisted reproductive technologies and human genetics. The book provides a balanced view of the implications of these technologies, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of their ethical and social consequences.In "The Brain and Emotion," Edmund T. Rolls explores the brain mechanisms underlying reward and punishment, emphasizing how far we have advanced in understanding these processes. Rolls argues that the reward value of stimuli is tied to high-level sensory representations rather than crude sensory analysis. The book focuses on the brain mechanisms related to emotion, discussing how emotions are defined in terms of reactions to rewards and punishments. Rolls' approach is similar to that of LeDoux, but he covers a broader range of emotions and emphasizes complex networks of brain areas rather than single regions. Rolls also addresses the role of consciousness in multi-step planning for rewards, proposing two routes to behavior: a fast, reward-based one and a slower, conscious one based on long-term rewards. While Rolls' definition of emotions may be too narrow, the book provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on emotion. The book is well-structured, integrating detailed accounts of brain anatomy and neural network modeling with examples that help readers understand their own behavior. Rolls' work is an impressive achievement, though it may not fully capture the complexity of emotional experience. "Designing Babies: The Brave New World of Reproductive Technology" by Roger Gosden discusses advances in reproductive technology and their implications for human genetics. Gosden highlights the potential for greater control over the reproductive process and the possibility of predetermining the health and characteristics of children. The book addresses the ethical concerns surrounding reproductive technologies, including the concept of "designer babies." Gosden's work is timely, given the rapid developments in assisted reproductive technologies and human genetics. The book provides a balanced view of the implications of these technologies, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of their ethical and social consequences.