Joseph Chilton Pearce
Encyclopedia
Joseph Chilton Pearce is an American author of a number of books on child development. He prefers the name "Joe".
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He graduated with a BA from College of William and Mary
, received a Master of Arts degree from Indiana University
, and did post-graduate studies at Geneva Theological College
.
He presents the idea of the heart - or compassionate mind - as a category of brain function equal in stature to the thalamus
, prefrontal cortex
and lower brain. He believes that active, imaginative play is the most important of all childhood activities because it cultivates mastery of one's environment, which he terms "creative competence". Further children without that form of play develop feeling of isolation and anxiety. He also believes that child-parent bonding is important and conceives modern clinical childbirth and lack of breast feeding as obstructing that bonding.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He graduated with a BA from College of William and Mary
College of William and Mary
The College of William & Mary in Virginia is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States...
, received a Master of Arts degree from Indiana University
Indiana University
Indiana University is a multi-campus public university system in the state of Indiana, United States. Indiana University has a combined student body of more than 100,000 students, including approximately 42,000 students enrolled at the Indiana University Bloomington campus and approximately 37,000...
, and did post-graduate studies at Geneva Theological College
Geneva College
Geneva College is a Christian liberal arts college in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, United States, north of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1848, in Northwood, Ohio, the college moved to its present location in 1880, where it continues to educate a student body of about 1400 traditional undergraduates in...
.
He presents the idea of the heart - or compassionate mind - as a category of brain function equal in stature to the thalamus
Thalamus
The thalamus is a midline paired symmetrical structure within the brains of vertebrates, including humans. It is situated between the cerebral cortex and midbrain, both in terms of location and neurological connections...
, prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and premotor areas.This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviors, personality expression, decision making and moderating correct social behavior...
and lower brain. He believes that active, imaginative play is the most important of all childhood activities because it cultivates mastery of one's environment, which he terms "creative competence". Further children without that form of play develop feeling of isolation and anxiety. He also believes that child-parent bonding is important and conceives modern clinical childbirth and lack of breast feeding as obstructing that bonding.