Paul Maclean

Paul MacLean was a neuroscientist best known for proposing the "triune brain" theory, which suggests that the human brain has three interconnected parts developed at different evolutionary stages. These are the reptilian brain (basic instincts and survival), the limbic system (emotions and social behaviors), and the neocortex (higher thinking, reasoning, and language). This model helps explain how our instincts, emotions, and rational thoughts interact, influencing our behavior. While simplified, it offers a useful framework for understanding brain functions in both evolutionary and psychological contexts.