1 Do You Act Before You Think? Flashcards
For Randal Collins, why is it obvious that rationality is not the foundation of society?
If everything was only based on rationality, it wouldn’t be possible for there to be so much disagreement and conflict in the world.
Define and distinguish between substantive and functional rationality.
Functional Rationality: the means to an end
Substantive Rationality: the ends themselves
According to Randall Collins & Karl Mannheim, how are substantive and functional rationality typically related?
There are always substantive outcomes that cannot be predicted. Rationality inevitably leads to outcomes that are substantively irrational.
What is the dualist view of the mind & body?
The mind and the body are separate entities. The body is just a shell that houses the vastly more important mind.
How does Antonio Damasio view the relationship between the mind & body?
Antonio Damasio takes a non-dualist view. In this view, the mind and body are not separate entities. Furthermore, the body is exceptionally important as there cannot be a mind without a body.
Do we perceive objective reality? Explain & defend your answer.
No, we perceive our brain’s interpretation of reality. Nothing we perceive is interpreted indepedently. We can only interpret things through the lens of what we have experienced.
How many neurons does a human brain possess?
100 billion
How can we understand individual variation in minds as a product of physiological variation in the brain? Does this support the dualist or non-dualist view of the relationship between the mind and body?
Human brains do not differ so much in the raw # of neurons, but rather in how those neurons are connected. Thus, the physiological reason that we all think differently is that our brain’s neural networks are different. This supports the non-dualist view of the mind and body.
Define and describe the triune brain as put forth by Paul MacLean. What is the function of each of the three parts? Do these parts function independent of one another?
The triune brain model divides the brain into 3 parts; Reptilian, Mammalian (limbic system), and Neo-mammalian (neocortex).
The reptilian section is the oldest part. It is thought to largely contribute to automatic functions such as breathing and reflexes.
The mammalian section is the second oldest and is thought to be the seat of emotions, feelings, and the coordination of sensory input.
The Neo-mammalian is the newest part and contributes mostly to higher-order functions such as language, consciousness, and rationality.
These parts work interdependently.
Based on our discussion in class, how does the human brain make decisions?
Decision making in the brain is a conflict resolution process. The brain attempts to resolve conflicts between different brain networks. When conflicts are resolved, a decision is made and action is taken.
What is the relationship between emotion and behavior?
Behavior is a by-product of emotional processing. Emtional processing occurs first; behavior follows.
What is the relationship between emotion and reason?
Reason requires emotion. To be reasonable/rational is to choose the best among available choices. To make the best choice requires emotion as emotion is how our brain assigns value to choices.
Do we become hyper-rational (like Mr. Spock) when we cannot incorporate emotional value into decisions?
No; to be rational requires incorporating emotional value into decisions
Where do individuals who suffer damage to their emotional brain networks have behavioral deficits?
Decision making; even basic decisions can become difficult to make
How would individuals who suffer brain damage to their emotional networks likely behave in the 2 trolley dilemmas covered in class?
They would likely be unable to make a quick decision. As a result, 5 people would likely die in each of the two scenarios.
