Robert Sapolsky | Father-Offspring Interviews #47: Neurogenesis, Science/Religion, Human Immaturity | Robert Sapolsky Father-Offspring Interviews
Jan 24, 2025
Explore the groundbreaking discovery of adult neurogenesis and its impact on learning and memory. Dive into the intriguing relationship between science and religion, highlighting how they can coexist. Delve into the complexities of human development, moral responsibility, and the slow maturation process we experience. Plus, learn about the critical role of the prefrontal cortex in shaping impulse control and long-term planning, influenced by social interactions and cultural contexts.
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Altman's Early Neurogenesis Research
- Joseph Altman's early neurogenesis research in the 1960s was met with disbelief, notably from Pasko Rakic.
- This skepticism impacted Altman's career, hindering the field's progress for years.
Neurogenesis in Birds
- Fernando Nottebohm's work on neurogenesis in birds, while groundbreaking, was initially dismissed as irrelevant to mammals.
- This dismissal highlighted the resistance to the idea of adult neurogenesis in more complex brains.
Science vs. Religion
- Science and religion are fundamentally irreconcilable, particularly regarding free will and judgment.
- While some seek common ground (e.g., non-overlapping magisteria), the core principles clash.