In this discussion, Patricia Churchland, a renowned neuroscientist and philosopher, delves into the fascinating connection between neuroscience and morality. She explores how neurochemicals like oxytocin influence our social behaviors and moral instincts. Churchland contrasts Western and Eastern philosophies, highlighting how biological factors shape our ethical frameworks. The conversation also questions traditional moral theories, advocating for a nuanced understanding of conscience and its impact on moral reasoning.
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Neurophilosophy's Origin
Neurophilosophy bridges neuroscience and philosophy's big questions.
Patricia Churchland's interest was sparked by split-brain studies, revealing the brain's role in consciousness.
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Early Resistance and Neuroanatomy Studies
Initially, philosophers resisted neurophilosophy, arguing the brain was irrelevant to studying the mind.
Patricia Churchland learned neuroanatomy at a medical school to better understand the brain's structure.
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Universal Morality
Some philosophers believed morality should be independent of the brain, applying universally.
20th-century philosophers sought a single moral rule applicable to all people at all times.
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In 'Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition', Patricia Churchland delves into the complex origins of moral behavior, drawing on neuroscience, genetics, psychology, and philosophy. She argues that conscience is rooted in neural circuitry rather than divine or absolute moral laws, and explores how social norms and biological factors shape our moral judgments. Churchland also discusses the role of hormones like oxytocin in social bonding and the influence of cultural and environmental factors on moral development.
It’s fun to spend time thinking about how other people should behave, but fortunately we also have an inner voice that keeps offering opinions about how we should behave ourselves: our conscience. Where did that come from? Today’s guest, Patricia Churchland, is a philosopher and neuroscientist, one of the founders of the subfield of “neurophilosophy.” We dig into the neuroscience of it all, especially how neurochemicals like oxytocin affect our attitudes and behaviors. But we also explore the philosophical ramifications of having a conscience, with an eye to understanding morality and ethics in a neurophilosophical context. Support Mindscape on Patreon or Paypal. Patricia Churchland received her B.Phil. in philosophy from Oxford University. She is currently the President’s Professor of Philosophy (emerita) at the University of California, San Diego, as well as an adjunct professor of neuroscience at the Salk Institute. Among her awards are the MacArthur Prize, The Rossi Prize for Neuroscience and the Prose Prize for Science. Her latest book, Conscience: The Origins of Moral Intuition, was just released. She has arguably the best web site of any professional philosopher. Web site Google Scholar Amazon.com author page Wikipedia TEDx talk on The Brains Behind Morality Twitter
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