Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman Ep30 "What does it mean to know thyself in the age of neuroscience?" Part 2
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Oct 16, 2023 Can we understand ourselves by studying molecules? The connection between passport color and schizophrenia. The complexities of genetic predispositions for criminal behavior. The relevance of biology for self-knowledge. The interplay of genes, environment, and behavior. The impact of genetics and life circumstances on depression. The complex relationship between nature and nurture. The limitations of understanding human experience through neuroscience. The mistake of reductionism. Unraveling the mysteries of the human brain.
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Limits of Genetic Reductionism
- We cannot fully explain human experience by only understanding molecular biology due to gene-environment complexity.
- Simple genetic explanations fail to predict outcomes like schizophrenia and criminal behavior reliably.
Monkey Gene-Environment Interaction
- Monkey studies showed genes influence aggression but environment shapes behavioral control outcomes.
- Good mothering rescued aggressive tendencies caused by certain genetic alleles.
Depression Requires Genes And Stress
- Depression risk depends on genetic predisposition and stressful life events combined.
- People with risky gene forms but good lives don't show increased depression.