Is it possible that everything a person is or does is a function of the brain? Or are there other factors that influence who you are?

I'm not sure that everything a person is is a function of the brain. I think factors like how and where you were raised effect who you are. I'm not sure how else to answer this and I have to write an essay based on these questions.

Hmmm. What can a person who is brain dead do?

Are you really meaning the contriubtions of genetics vs environment? If so, that is much different from brain functions.

The brain is the executive organ for the body. Except for a few reflexive responses (e.g., knee jerk) very little goes on that does not involve the brain. Reading your question, analyzing it, and responding by typing this answer all require a multitude of activities within the brain. I believe that every thought that I have has correlated neuronal activity within my brain. We are just beginning to understand the complexity of the brain.

However, the brain itself is effected by various factors, including such things as past experiences, diet, oxygen level, medications, trauma and so on. For example, learned responses require changes in the neurons and their connections within the brain.

I searched Google under the key words "brain functions" to get these possible sources:

http://www.neuroskills.com/brain.shtml
http://www.waiting.com/brainfunction.html
http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/index_a.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_brain

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search.

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

The question of what factors influence who a person is can be complex and can vary from person to person. While the brain certainly plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, it is not the sole determinant of who we are.

Various factors can influence a person's identity and actions, including:

1. Genetics: Our genetic makeup can impact aspects of our personality, talents, and predispositions to certain traits or behaviors.

2. Environment: The environment we grow up in, such as family dynamics, cultural background, socioeconomic status, and education, can shape our beliefs, values, and attitudes.

3. Social interactions: Our interactions with others, such as friends, peers, and community, play a significant role in shaping our identity, social skills, and behavior.

4. Life experiences: Personal experiences, such as traumatic events, achievements, cultural experiences, and cultural or religious practices, contribute to shaping our worldview and overall sense of self.

5. Personal choices and agency: Individuals have the capacity to make choices and decisions that can influence their actions and shape their personal identity.

While the brain is crucial for processing and integrating all these influences, it is essential to recognize that who we are is the result of a complex interplay between various factors. It is the combination of these factors that contribute to our unique identities.

It may be helpful for your essay to explore and discuss how these different factors interact and shape individuals' identities and actions.

It's a fascinating topic you're exploring, and it's important to consider multiple factors that influence who we are as individuals. While the brain plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, there are other factors to take into account.

1. Genetic Influences: Our genetic makeup contributes to our personality traits, intelligence, and even predispositions to certain behaviors. Genes interact with the environment throughout our lives, shaping our development.

2. Environmental Factors: As you mentioned, how and where we are raised significantly impact who we become. Our upbringing, cultural background, education, and social environment shape our values, beliefs, and behaviors.

3. Interactions and Relationships: Our interactions with others, such as family, friends, and communities, play a vital role in shaping our identity. Through socialization, we learn norms, customs, and social expectations, which influence our behavior and sense of self.

4. Life Experiences: Our unique experiences, both positive and negative, leave lasting impressions on our worldview, beliefs, and personality. Significant life events, trauma, achievements, and cultural exposure contribute to our personal growth and shape who we are.

While the brain is the central organ responsible for processing information and coordinating our actions, it interacts with and is influenced by these factors. The nature versus nurture debate explores the roles of genetics and environment in human development, and it's a complex and ongoing discussion. When writing your essay, you can examine and discuss these various factors and their contributions to individual identity.