Title: The altruistic brain : how we are naturally good /
Authors: Pfaff, Donald W., 1939-; Sherman, Sandra
Year: 2015
Subjects: Altruism; Brain Physiology; Evolution (Biology); Altruism; Brain Physiology; Evolution (Biology); Altruism; Brain physiology; Behavior physiology; Biological Evolution
Abstract: Since the beginning of recorded history, law and religion have provided "rules" that define good behavior. When we obey such rules, we assign to some external authority the capacity to determine how we should act. Even anarchists recognize the existence of a choice as to whether or not to obey, since no one has seriously doubted that the source of social order resides in our vast ethical systems. Debate has focused only on whose system is best, never for an instant imagining that law, religion, or some philosophical permutation of either was not the basis of prosocial action. The only divergence from this uniform understanding of human society has come from the behavioral sciences, which cite various biological bases for human goodness. Putting aside both ancient and relatively modern ethical systems, neuroscientists, psychologists, and evolutionary biologists have started a revolution more profound than any anarchist ever dreamed of.^
Contents: The biological/evolutionary roots of altruism -- Altruistic brain theory introduced -- Primary neuroscience research underlying each step of altruistic brain theory -- Neural and hormonal mechanisms that promote prosocial behaviors once the moral decision is made -- New neuroscience research : the theory's link to an ethical universal -- How altruistic brain theory changes our perceptions of ourselves and of altruism -- Why the altruistic brain matters : its significance to addressing individuals' bad behavior -- Multiplier effect : from bad to worse in a social setting -- No easy answers ... but no pessimism either.