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government

English translation: control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center

20:22 Feb 20, 2024
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Medical - Medical (general) / neuroscience
English term or phrase: government
Dear colleagues, I’m not sure how to interpret “government” in the sentence: “our brains consist of a government of neural systems from different evolutionary periods with different areas of specialization and strategies to achieve their goals” taken from the passage below about the interpersonal neurobiology of executive functioning.
I guess the author uses “government” to evoke the “executive” functioning... but I’m not sure... How would you rephrase “government" in this case?
Thank you so much for your help!

********************************



At this point in the development of our understanding of executive functioning, we have to take a fresh look at the scientific and clinical data that have been neglected for so long. For example, we now realize that our brains are social organs, and it is our ability to communicate with one another that has at least as much to do with the rise of civilization as the expansion of the prefrontal cortex. *** We know that our brains consist of a government of neural systems from different evolutionary periods with different areas of specialization and strategies to achieve their goals.*** We also realize that group dynamics and interpersonal regulatory processes impact all aspects of neural functioning.
haribert
Local time: 01:43
Selected answer:control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center
Explanation:
control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center
Selected response from:

Kiet Bach
United States
Local time: 16:43
Grading comment
Thank you so much, Kiet, for your help! I think I'll choose "governing center", because "governing" hints at the "government metaphor" and "center" doesn't conflict with the following "neural systems".
A big thank you to Marijke for her information about the possible "government metaphor" and a sincere thanks to all other contributors!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
5 +3control system
Khalid khan
5 +1government
Marijke Singer
4 +1control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center
Kiet Bach


Discussion entries: 3





  

Answers


8 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +1
government


Explanation:
A comparison is being made between the way our brain works and how a government works:
"Our brains aren’t monolithic, but rather a complex government of neural systems. Like any bureaucracy, these specialized neural systems are hierarchical, interactive, and fluid networks that perform all of our adaptive functions-- from seeing and walking, to thinking and feeling. Each neural network has a specific set of functions, its own evolutionary history, and developmental course. Optimal brain functioning, as well as good mental health, require the proper development, integration, and communication of the various neural networks related to cognition, emotion, sensory and motor experience, and social interactions."
https://www.drloucozolino.com/neuroscience/yg6oqejrgj0j9iqs6...

"Scientists have long used the metaphor of government to explain how they think nervous systems are organized for decision-making."
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-your-nervous-s...



Marijke Singer
Spain
Local time: 01:43
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 4
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you so much, Marijke, for your valuable contribution!


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Michael Beijer
25 mins
neutral  Cilian O'Tuama: Is it possible to pause your "photo"? All the movement is irritating if you're trying to read content.
6 hrs
neutral  liz askew: strange, so few hits for "government" in this sense, and the author is Italian, so I am wondering....:)
15 hrs
neutral  Yvonne Gallagher: yes, agree a comparison is being made but we don't define a term with the same term? 100% CL?
2 days 17 hrs
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2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +1
control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center


Explanation:
control center / governing center / administrative center / managing center

Kiet Bach
United States
Local time: 16:43
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in ChineseChinese
PRO pts in category: 12
Grading comment
Thank you so much, Kiet, for your help! I think I'll choose "governing center", because "governing" hints at the "government metaphor" and "center" doesn't conflict with the following "neural systems".
A big thank you to Marijke for her information about the possible "government metaphor" and a sincere thanks to all other contributors!
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you so much, Kiet, for your interesting contribution! Actually, I think the author may be using a sort of metaphor for "government" taken probably by Donald Hebb (see Discussion), but I guess your proposal of "governing center", may be a valuable alternative...


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Cilian O'Tuama: control centre was my immediate thought too, but I reckon there's a better solution.
4 hrs
  -> Thank you!
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14 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +3
control system


Explanation:
In the context of the sentence you provided, "government" is being used metaphorically to describe the organization or control system within our brains. Here, it refers to the coordination and management of various neural systems, each with its own evolutionary history, specialization, and strategies.

Essentially, the sentence suggests that our brains operate like a complex governing body, with different neural systems representing different departments or branches, all working together with their own unique functions and objectives to achieve overall goals.

Khalid khan
Pakistan
Local time: 04:43
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in UrduUrdu, Native in Pashto (Pushto)Pashto (Pushto)
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you so much, Khalid, for your interesting contribution! Actually, I think the author may be using a sort of metaphor for "government" taken probably by Donald Hebb (see Discussion).


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  liz askew: or "command centre" https://oxford.shorthandstories.com/the-make-up-of-the-brain...
1 hr
agree  Yvonne Gallagher: closest to meaning though rather OTT to claim 100% CL
2 days 3 hrs
neutral  Kiet Bach: I thought of "control system", but when you put into the original text, it becomes "a control system of neural systems".
2 days 3 hrs
agree  British Diana
2 days 8 hrs
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