Plato's views influenced Christian philosophers of the Middle Ages. Influential in the emergence of modern science. Because Decartes believed the mind was unitary, he postulated that the pineal gland, a singular structure at the base of the brain, was the seat of the soul. Damage to a circumscribed area of the left hemisphere of the brain results in the disruption of language and thinking abilities. Broca's aphasia Disorder of speech production patients retain an ability to reason, but cannot express themselves through coherent speech.
Patients are usually aware of their deficit and suffer because of it.
Phineas Gage- the brain and personality Personality and moral and ethical behavior traditionally believed to be the product of an immaterial soul, but can be specifically disrupted by damage to the frontal lobes of the brain. Phineas Gage before his injury Gage supervised group of men who laid railroad tracks, described by employer as the most efficient and capable man in their employ, well liked by co-workers. The accident Blasting accident blew iron tamping rod through Gage's left cheek, the base of the skull and frontal part of the brain, then out the top of his head. Rod landed more than 100 ft. away, covered with blood and brains. Treated and studied by Dr. J. M. Harlow.