Brain, Mind, and Parts through a Neuroscience Lens

The podcast explores the alignment between modern neuroscience and the concept of multiplicity of psyche, particularly the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. Neuroscientist Katja Winnick explains how the modular nature of the brain, with its multiple parallel systems for decision-making, supports the IFS idea of a psyche composed of distinct parts, each possessing its own perspective and agenda. Winnick draws parallels between IFS parts and memory engrams, distributed networks of neurons encoding specific memories, suggesting that each part may tap into a real physical memory network. The discussion also covers the brain's predictive modeling capabilities, linking each IFS part to a separate internal model aimed at ensuring safety and well-being.