Karl Pribram

The universe you see and experience is but a holographic image created by the mind.

Summary

Karl H. Pribram (1991 - ) is professor of psychology and trained as a neurosurgeon. He performed pioneering work on the Cerebral Cortex.

To the general public, he is best known for his development of the Holonomic Brain Theory (developed in collaboration with David Bohm) and his contribution to ongoing neurological research into the Engram.

He is also interested in the neurophysiological basis of spiritual experiences.

He made essential contributions to the concept of a Biocentric Culture (see Vital Unconscious and Biocentric Principle).

Ideas

• Holonomic Brain Theory - initially developed in collaboration with David Bohm, established the foundation for Pribram's theory that the brain operates in a manner similar to Holograms, in accordance with quantum mathematical principles and the characteristics of wave patterns. It is a model for human cognition that is drastically different from conventionally accepted ideas.

Holonomic Brain Theory

The theory states that memory (information) is stored not in cells, but rather in wave interference patterns throughout our bodies. Pribram was drawn to this conclusion by two facts:

• Responsive functions of the visual cortex exist that correspond with Gaborian functions. This means that the eye translates images to our brain in the same way that images are translated to Holograms. Pibram believes this explains why visual memory cannot be precisely localised within the brain. As in a hologram, the whole is encoded in each part.
• Drastic lesions can be made in animal brains which reduce, but do not extinguish memories (training), as demonstrated by Karl Lashley in the 1920s. This tells us that memory is distributed throughout the entire body and is not limited to the brain.