

Your Review: The Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Hypothesis
44 snips Sep 24, 2025
Dive into the intriguing rituals of the Tupinambá, where captives faced elaborate cannibalism ceremonies observed by explorer Hans Staden. Explore why these warriors might have believed that consuming enemies conferred strength. Transitioning to modern science, discover the fascinating ideas surrounding heart transplants and reported recipient personality changes. The discussion ventures into the nuances of synaptic plasticity, debating whether these changes are necessary or sufficient for memory, backed by historical insights and intriguing biological perspectives.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Hans Staden's Cannibal Captivity
- Hans Staden described prolonged, ceremonial cannibalism among the Tupinambá with painted captives and communal feasting.
- He escaped by convincing them his god was angry and sailing away on a French ship.
Reported Personality Changes After Transplants
- Scott Alexander recounts multiple post–heart-transplant stories of dramatic preference and personality shifts.
- These include taste, sexual orientation, musical taste, and dreams linked to donors.
SPM Frames Memory As Synaptic Weight Change
- The Synaptic Plasticity and Memory (SPM) hypothesis equates learning with changes in synaptic weights.
- The review frames SPM as necessary and sufficient for memory in many neuroscience models.