Critical Neuroscience
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Neuroscience and Critique
NEUROSCIENCE AND CRITIQUE Recent years have seen a rapid growth in neuroscientific research, and an expansion beyond basic research to incorporate elements of the arts, humanities and social sciences. Some have suggested that the neurosciences will bring about major transformations in the understand- ing of our selves, our culture and our society. Ongoing debates within psychology, philoso- phy and literature about the implications of these developments within the neurosciences, and the emerging fields of educational neuroscience, neuroeconomics and neuro-aesthetics also bear witness to a “neurological turn” which is currently taking place. Neuroscience and Critique is a groundbreaking edited collection that reflects on the impact of neuroscience in contemporary social science and the humanities. It is the first book to consider possibilities for a critique of the theories, practices and implications of contemporary neuroscience. Bringing together leading scholars from several disciplines, the contributors draw upon a range of perspectives, including cognitive neuroscience, critical philosophy, psychoanalysis and feminism, and also critically examine several key ideas in contemporary neuroscience, including: • The idea of “neural personhood” • Theories of emotion in affective neuroscience • Empathy, intersubjectivity and the notion of “embodied simulation” • The concept of an “emo-rational” actor within neuroeconomics The volume will stimulate further debate in the emerging field of interdisciplinary studies in neuroscience and will appeal to researchers and advanced students in a number of disciplines, including psychology, philosophy and critical studies. Jan De Vos is a post-doctoral FWO Research Fellow at the Centre for Critical Philosophy at Ghent University, Belgium. His main research area is that of the neurological turn and its implications for ideology critique. -
Empathy, Mirror Neurons and SYNC
Mind Soc (2016) 15:1–25 DOI 10.1007/s11299-014-0160-x Empathy, mirror neurons and SYNC Ryszard Praszkier Received: 5 March 2014 / Accepted: 25 November 2014 / Published online: 14 December 2014 Ó The Author(s) 2014. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com Abstract This article explains how people synchronize their thoughts through empathetic relationships and points out the elementary neuronal mechanisms orchestrating this process. The many dimensions of empathy are discussed, as is the manner by which empathy affects health and disorders. A case study of teaching children empathy, with positive results, is presented. Mirror neurons, the recently discovered mechanism underlying empathy, are characterized, followed by a theory of brain-to-brain coupling. This neuro-tuning, seen as a kind of synchronization (SYNC) between brains and between individuals, takes various forms, including frequency aspects of language use and the understanding that develops regardless of the difference in spoken tongues. Going beyond individual- to-individual empathy and SYNC, the article explores the phenomenon of syn- chronization in groups and points out how synchronization increases group cooperation and performance. Keywords Empathy Á Mirror neurons Á Synchronization Á Social SYNC Á Embodied simulation Á Neuro-synchronization 1 Introduction We sometimes feel as if we just resonate with something or someone, and this feeling seems far beyond mere intellectual cognition. It happens in various situations, for example while watching a movie or connecting with people or groups. What is the mechanism of this ‘‘resonance’’? Let’s take the example of watching and feeling a film, as movies can affect us deeply, far more than we might realize at the time. -
Program Final (Sept 17, 2012)
Program Final (Sept 17, 2012) Where not otherwise indicated, the chair of the session is the final speaker. Session 1 - Thurs 1:30pm - 3pm Session 1 (D) Frontier 202A Disease and Subjectivity M.K. Nixon. Keep Bleeding: Hemorrhagic Sores, Trade, and the Necessity of Leaky Boundaries in Defoe’s Journal of the Plague Year This paper considers the way in which nonhuman contagious disease is crucial in shaping human subjectivity. To this end, this essay probes notions of two boundaries that are both political and personal—the border between the national subject and the international other, and the boundary between the self and all that lies outside of it—in a consideration of Daniel Defoe’s 1722 text, A Journal of the Plague Year. Operating from the notion that the personal is indeed political, this essay asserts that these two borders are largely intertwined, particularly when considering infectious diseases. By way of examining attitudes towards national and personal boundaries, this paper focuses in large part on Defoe’s representation of the eponymous buboes of the bubonic plague, juxtaposing and exploring his depiction of suppurated and calcified bubonic sores as metonymic signifiers of both personal and national boundaries that are transgressed or fortified, respectively. Examination of Defoe’s illustration of bubonic sores shows that Defoe depicted the Great Plague of 1665 in ways that I assert were thoroughly influenced by his conceptualization of international trade—a conceptualization which resisted the nationalistic xenophobia typical of his day and instead embraced a type of individualistic mercantilism. Defoe’s views on economics and trade, then, influenced his understanding of the Great Plague and cycled back to result in a view of man and nation that advocates permeable boundaries even in response to the hugely threatening potential of a complete breakdown of self- and nation-constituting borders. -
Environment, Culture, and the Brain New Explorations in Neurohistory
Perspectives Environment, Culture, and the Brain New Explorations in Neurohistory Edited by EDMUND RUSSELL 2012 / 6 RCC Perspectives Environment, Culture, and the Brain New Explorations in Neurohistory Edited by Edmund Russell 2012 / 6 Environment, Culture, and the Brain 3 About the Authors Peter Becker teaches modern history at the University of Vienna. His main research interests are in the history of public administration, criminology, and policing. More recently he has embarked on a research project on the recurrence of biological think- ing in social research and social policy with a focus on the role of neurosciences in public discourse. Benedikt Berninger is an associate professor of physiological chemistry at the Johan- nes Gutenberg University Mainz. His research in neurobiology focuses on forcing fate conversion of somatic cells into neurons by a process called “reprogramming.” The essay “Causality and the Brain” in this volume was inspired by his interest in history and philosophy of history. Kirsten Brukamp is a research fellow in theoretical medicine at RWTH Aachen Uni- versity. She specializes in bioethics and neuroethics and holds degrees in medicine, philosophy, and cognitive science. Carlos Collado Seidel is a professor of modern and contemporary history at the Uni- versity of Marburg. His main research fields are comparative European history and the contemporary history of Spain. Together with Karin Meissner, he is currently working on a research project on neurological processes during decision-making in politics and diplomacy. Steve Fuller is Auguste Comte Professor of Social Epistemology in the Department of Sociology at the University of Warwick, UK. Originally trained in history and philosophy of science, he is closely associated with the field of “social epistemology,” which is also the name of a quarterly journal he founded in 1987. -
Violence on the Brain: a Critique of Neuroscience in Criminal Law
VIOLENCE ON THE BRAIN: A CRITIQUE OF NEUROSCIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW Amanda C. Pustilnik* Is there such a thing as a criminally "violent brain"? Does it make sense to speak of "the neurobiology of violence" or the "psychopathology of crime"? Is it possible to answer on a physiological level what makes one person engage in criminal violence and another not, under similar circumstances? Current research in law and neuroscience is promising to answer these questions with a "yes." Some legal scholars working in this area claim that we are close to realizing the "early criminologists' dream of identifying the biological roots of criminality." These hopes for a neuroscientific transformation of the criminal law, although based in the newest research, are part of a very old story. Criminal law and neuroscience have been engaged in an ill-fated and sometimes tragic affair for over two hundred years. Three issues have recurred that track those that bedeviled earlierefforts to ground criminal law in brain sciences. First is the claim that the brain is often the most relevant or fundamental level at which to understand criminal conduct. Second is that the various phenomena we call "criminal violence" arise causally from dysfunction within specific locations in the brain ("localization"). Third is the related claim that, because much violent criminality arises from brain dysfunction, people who commit such acts are biologically different from typical people ("alterity"or "otherizing"). This Article first demonstrates parallels between certain current claims about the neurobiology of criminal violence and past movements that were concerned with the law and * Climenko Fellow & Lecturer on Law, Harvard Law School. -
Mapping the Cerebral Subject in Contemporary Culture DOI: 10.3395/Reciis.V1i2.90En
[www.reciis.cict.fiocruz.br] ISSN 1981-6286 Researches in Progress Mapping the cerebral subject in contemporary culture DOI: 10.3395/reciis.v1i2.90en Francisco Fernando Vidal Max Planck Institute for the Ortega History of Science, Berlin, Instituto de Medicina Social Germany da Universidade do Estado [email protected] do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [email protected] Abstract The research reported here aims at mapping the “cerebral subject” in contemporary society. The term “cerebral subject” refers to an anthropological figure that embodies the belief that human beings are essentially reducible to their brains. Our focus is on the discourses, images and practices that might globally be designated as “neurocul- ture.” From public policy to the arts, from the neurosciences to theology, humans are often treated as reducible to their brains. The new discipline of neuroethics is eminently symptomatic of such a situation; other examples can be drawn from science fiction in writing and film; from practices such as “neurobics” or cerebral cryopreservation; from neurophilosophy and the neurosciences; from debates about brain life and brain death; from practices of intensive care, organ transplantation, and neurological enhancement and prosthetics; from the emerging fields of neuroesthe- tics, neurotheology, neuroeconomics, neuroeducation, neuropsychoanalysis and others. This research in progress traces the diversity of neurocultures, and places them in a larger context characterized by the emergence of somatic “bioidentities” that replace psychological and internalistic notions of personhood. It does so by examining not only discourses and representations, but also concrete social practices, such as those that take shape in the politically powerful “neurodiversity” movement, or in vigorously commercialized “neuroascetic” disciplines of the self. -
A Current Overview of Consumer Neuroscience Mirja Hubert*,Y and Peter Kenningy Zeppelin University, Am Seemooser Horn 20, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany
Journal of Consumer Behaviour J. Consumer Behav. 7: 272–292 (2008) Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/cb.251 A current overview of consumer neuroscience Mirja Hubert*,y and Peter Kenningy Zeppelin University, Am Seemooser Horn 20, 88045 Friedrichshafen, Germany The emerging discipline of neuroeconomics employs methods originally used in brain research for investigating economic problems, and furthers the advance of integrating neuroscientific findings into the economic sciences. Neuromarketing or consumer neuro- science is a sub-area of neuroeconomics that addresses marketing relevant problems with methods and insights from brain research. With the help of advanced techniques of neurology, which are applied in the field of consumer neuroscience, a more direct view into the ‘‘black box’’ of the organism should be feasible. Consumer neuroscience, still in its infancy, should not be seen as a challenge to traditional consumer research, but constitutes a complementing advancement for further investigation of specific decision-making behavior. The key contribution of this paper is to suggest a distinct definition of consumer neuroscience as the scientific proceeding, and neuromarketing as the application of these findings within the scope of managerial practice. Furthermore, we aim to develop a foundational understanding of the field, moving away from the derisory assumption that consumer neuroscience is about locating the ‘‘buy button’’ in the brain. Against this background the goal of this paper is to present specific results of selected studies from this emerging discipline, classified according to traditional marketing-mix instruments such as product, price, communication, and distribution policies, as well as brand research. -
Jim Crow Racism and the Mexican Americans of San Antonio, Texas
ORAL HISTORY AS A MEANS OF MORAL REPAIR: JIM CROW RACISM AND THE MEXICAN AMERICANS OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS by Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL May 2018 Copyright by Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi, 2017 ii ORAL HISTORY AS A MEANS OF MORAL REPAIR: JIM CROW RACISM AND THE MEXICAN AMERICANS OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS by Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi This dissertation was prepared under the direction of the candidate's dissertation advisor, Dr. Sandra Norman, Comparative Studies Program, and has been approved by the members of her supervisory committee. It was submitted to the faculty of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters and was accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. SUPERVISORY COMMnTEE: ~~o..... .:i N1~"" Sandra Norman, Ph.D. ~~Susan Love Brown, Ph. 'S:"..,;ae~.~~o~ JosephinBeoku-Betts, Ph.D. Directo , mparative St ilies Pro? MiC11aeliOfSWclD.~-# Dean, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts andn:ers . 5"", "Zo/g "~~2.~~ ' iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author offers her sincerest thanks and gratitude to members of her committee (past and present-Dr. Robin Fiore, Dr. Marta Cruz-Janzen, Dr. Sandra Norman, Dr. Susan Love Brown, and Dr. Josephine Beoku-Betts) for their guidance, input, and support in bringing this manuscript to fruition. She wishes to especially thank her dissertation advisor, Dr. Sandra Norman, for her patience, advice, and inspiration during the composition of this manuscript. -
Supreme Court, Appellate Division First Department
SUPREME COURT, APPELLATE DIVISION FIRST DEPARTMENT FEBRUARY 24, 2015 THE COURT ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING DECISIONS: Tom, J.P., Friedman, Acosta, Saxe, Kapnick, JJ. 13941 Carla Farrulla, Index 306208/08 Plaintiff-Appellant, -against- Happy Care Ambulette Inc., et al., Defendants-Respondents. _________________________ Melcer Newman PLLC, New York (Roger Rodriguez of counsel), for appellant. Ryan & Conlon, LLP, New York (Michael Couglin of counsel), for respondents. _________________________ Order, Supreme Court, Bronx County (Lucindo Suarez, J.), entered on or about July 15, 2013, which granted defendants’ motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint, unanimously affirmed, without costs. In this action for personal injuries allegedly sustained by plaintiff while she was a passenger in an ambulette van, defendants established their prima facie entitlement to summary judgment by demonstrating that they had no involvement with the subject accident. In opposition, plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact (see DiPierro v City of New York, 25 AD3d 306, 308 [1st Dept 2006]). Her deposition testimony establishes that the ambulette van in which she was riding when the accident occurred had a black exterior, and that “Action Ambulette” was displayed on the side of the vehicle. Defendants submitted the affidavit of John Colagrande, defendant Happy Care Ambulette Inc.’s (“Happy Care”) vice president in which he asserted that the company never owned ambulettes that were painted black nor was it affiliated with an entity called Action Ambulette. Contrary to plaintiff’s contention, the Workers’ Compensation form and her affidavit fail to demonstrate the existence of a triable issue of fact as to whether Happy Care owned or maintained the vehicle involved in the accident or was legally responsible for the person who allegedly caused her injuries. -
Neuromarketing: Neural Explanations for Consumer Behaviours
Mini Review ISSN: 2574 -1241 DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.16.002792 Neuromarketing: Neural Explanations for Consumer Behaviours Sachin Mishra*1 and Sunil Kumar Mishra2 1Cognitive Neuroimagine Centre, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 2Patronage Institute of Management Studies, India *Corresponding author: Sachin Mishra, Cognitive Neuroimagine Centre, Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore Sunil Kumar Mishra, Patronage Institute of Management Studies, Uttar Pradesh, India ARTICLE INFO abstract Received: March 07, 2019 Citation: Sachin M, Sunil Kumar Mishra. Neuromarketing: Neural Explanations for Con- sumer Behaviours. Biomed J Sci & Tech Res 16(1)-2019. BJSTR. MS.ID.002792. Published: March 18, 2019 Introduction imaging hybrid modalities like EEG-fMRI, MEG-MRI etc. [2] have The Synergy of Neuroimaging and Marketing Principles potentials to be used for neuromarketing. Even eye movement data The advents of neuroimaging techniques and modalities have from EOG or eye-tracking camera can provide data for qualitative modelling of the decision-making process [3]. Researchers believe techniques are capable of identifying and mapping different shown immense potential in various fields of research. Imaging that most consumers’ decisions are made in a split second, and regions of the brain in relation to their functions, which acts as a many of those decisions are made subconsciously. EEG and MEG key to various research related to cognition and neurophysiology. In addition to this, a more comprehensive insight of human brain can the brain which is associated with increased or reduced focus and can measure electrical (magnetic field in case of MEG) activity in be achieved by blending the anatomical and functional perspectives / or excitement [4,5]. -
Neuromarketing: the New Science of Consumer Behavior
Soc (2011) 48:131–135 DOI 10.1007/s12115-010-9408-1 SYMPOSIUM: CONSUMER CULTURE IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Neuromarketing: The New Science of Consumer Behavior Christophe Morin Published online: 14 January 2011 # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011 Abstract Neuromarketing is an emerging field that bridges John is worried. Maybe this is a mistake, he thinks. But the study of consumer behavior with neuroscience. Contro- already one of the earnest technicians whose smile seems versial when it first emerged in 2002, the field is gaining rapid just a little too forced is shaking his hand and spurring him credibility and adoption among advertising and marketing forward. He ensures him everything will go according to professionals. Each year, over 400 billion dollars is invested plan. “It takes about 30 minutes to do the scan” he says in advertising campaigns. Yet, conventional methods for “and as long as you don’t pay attention to the noise, you testing and predicting the effectiveness of those investments will be fine in the tunnel”. John does not feel nearly as have generally failed because they depend on consumers’ relaxed now as he was when he agreed to do this experiment. willingness and competency to describe how they feel when What if the magnetic field in which I agreed to put my entire they are exposed to an advertisement. Neuromarketing offers body kills some of my vital cells? In an instant, he goes from cutting edge methods for directly probing minds without being worried to being terrified. What if the radiation alters requiring demanding cognitive or conscious participation. -
Reflections of Generosity Annual Report of Private Giving
Reflections of Generosity Annual Report of Private Giving For the year ending June 30, 2018 Index Reflections of Generosity In Gratitude for Our Engaged Community ....................................... 6 Collective Visioning .......................................................................... 8 Financial Highlights Supporting Excellence ...................................................................... 12 Collective Generosity A Story Told Together ........................................................................ 16 The Gift of Time: CCS Summer Research Fellowships ...................... 18 Alumni Generosity Leaving Legacies and Living Legends ............................................... 22 Homegrown Support ......................................................................... 24 A Passion for Unconventional Science .............................................. 26 A Video Board to Spark Hoopla......................................................... 28 Faculty Generosity Dear Friends, An Evolving and Rewarding Partnership ........................................... 32 Enduring Influence ............................................................................ 34 As we reflect on philanthropic giving to UC Santa Barbara over the past year, we are overwhelmed and inspired by you — our steadfast supporters — whose vision continues to advance the excellence and diversity of our Friends Generosity great institution. We are tremendously thankful for your generosity and your appreciation for the crucial role of Making