Eukaryon Volume 15

ABOUT THE COVER ARTWORK

“Hercules” by Philip Freund

“Emergent Properties is an inherently difficult concept to represent in a single image. I took this photograph at the sea entrance to the Caves of Hercules at Cape Spartel, Morocco, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. These caves represent an amalgamation of historical and biological factors. The caves are named after Hercules (of Roman and Greek mythology), who is said to have rested there between labors. Archaeological evidence supports the idea that the Phoenicians occupied the caves thousands of years ago. More recently, the caves have seen centuries of quarrying by the Berbers to manufacture stone wheels. Most interesting, however, is the biological facet of the caves. The entrance pictured is in the shape of the African continent. As a neuroscientist, the fact that this can be readily recognized and perceived is amazing. Our perception of everyday experiences is shaped by prior knowledge and ideas, to the point where we subconsciously contextualize and categorize even the shape of a cave entrance. This is an excellent example of Emergent Properties: a multitude of discrete parts coming together to mold and shape every moment of our lives.”

- PHILIP FREUND

About the Authors