The Neuroscience of Emotions - Joseph LeDoux

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Joseph LeDoux, a world-renowned neuroscientist whose research primarily focuses on survival circuits and their impacts on emotions such as fear and anxiety.

Dr. LeDoux is the Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Science at New York University, and director of the Emotional Brain Institute. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of the amygdala and its role in processing threats, elucidating the relationship between physiological responses, cognitive interpretations, and the conscious experience of emotions.

Our conversation takes us back to Dr. LeDoux's earliest work with split-brain patients, a fascinating area of study that naturally led him to explore questions of consciousness. From there, he shares the journey that took him from studying humans to focusing on animal models, particularly in relation to fear and anxiety.

We delve into the intricate nature of emotions, discussing two contrasting theories: the traditional view that emotions are universal and rooted in our biology and the constructivist theory, which posits that emotions are constructed and shaped by our culture and personal experiences. Dr. LeDoux offers a compelling argument that while innate circuits control behavior, the conscious experience of an emotion is a cognitive interpretation based on our personal narratives and cultural schemas.

We also explore the topic of attributing emotional states to animals. Dr. LeDoux provides an insightful perspective on the difficulties of this task, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between physiological responses and conscious experiences and the potential dangers of anthropomorphizing animal behavior.

It's a fascinating journey into the depths of human emotion and the workings of our brain, offering valuable insights from one of the leading experts in the field. Whether you're a student of neuroscience, a curious learner, or simply interested in understanding the complexities of human emotion, this conversation will surely provide food for thought.

0:00:00 - Introduction

0:02:28 - The nature of emotions: biological or constructed theories

0:05:15 - The neuroscience of emotions and its foundation with split-brain patients

0:19:46 - Cognitive elements in emotions and the disconnect between physiological responses and the conscious experience of an emotion

0:27:27 - The role of biological neural circuits in emotional responses

0:31:05 - Emotional models and how emotional experiences are based on interpretation and shaped by language

0:39:47 - Attributing emotional states to animals and consciousness in mammals

0:56:48 - Joseph's career, the intersection of neuroscience and music, and his upcoming book