Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 123 | Lisa Feldman Barrett on Emotions, Actions, and the Brain
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Nov 16, 2020 
Lisa Feldman Barrett, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology, dives deep into the construction of emotions, challenging the notion that they are hardwired in our brains. She discusses how emotions are shaped by personal and cultural experiences rather than being innate. The conversation highlights the brain's role in blending sensory perceptions with emotional responses and emphasizes that our understanding of feelings is a nuanced interplay of biology and society. Barrett also critiques common beliefs about emotional expression, advocating for a more complex view.
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One Brain
- The triune brain model, with separate layers for instincts, emotions, and rationality, is a myth.
- Brains reorganize and repurpose existing structures rather than evolving in distinct layers.
Brain's Primary Role
- The brain's main job is regulating the body, not rational thought.
- Bodily sensations are experienced as simple feelings (affect) like pleasantness, calmness, etc.
Predictive Brain
- Brains evolved to efficiently manage resources like glucose and salt.
- They predict and prepare for needs, rather than simply reacting, to conserve energy.
