Sep 21 2012: I think it will always be an ongoing goal to completely understand the brain, yet this must happen piece by piece to then perhaps create an understanding of the whole. But there are certain elements that cannot be mapped. Where, for example, is the region of the brain that handles one's consciousness? And voluntary or involuntary movements in a state of non consciousness? There is no direct way to pinpoint something this abstract because it utilizes so many different regions of the brain, which will change depending on the given situation. Of course, however, one can conclude that, "Yes, the limbic system is involves with one's emotions." But which emotions and when? There is always more research to be done.
In this sense, I'm not sure it will ever be completely feasible to understand the human brain, but it will always be the goal. It may be possible to make tentative conclusions with enough research, though answering questions regarding more abstract concepts may be difficult. Notice that there is no 'pain' center in the brain, but that many regions play a role and many types of neurotransmitters are involved. Research will continue to be a rich and ongoing field. It's exciting to wonder what may be discovered next.
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A comment on Conversation: Is it feasible or desirable to ever completely understand the human brain?
In this sense, I'm not sure it will ever be completely feasible to understand the human brain, but it will always be the goal. It may be possible to make tentative conclusions with enough research, though answering questions regarding more abstract concepts may be difficult. Notice that there is no 'pain' center in the brain, but that many regions play a role and many types of neurotransmitters are involved. Research will continue to be a rich and ongoing field. It's exciting to wonder what may be discovered next.