When the brain fires up the network of neurons that allows us to empathize, it suppresses the network used for analysis, a pivotal study led by a Case Western Reserve University researcher shows. This shows scientific accounts really do leave something out -- the human touch. A major challenge for the science of the mind is how we can better translate between the cold and distant mechanical descriptions that neuroscience produces, and the emotionally engaged intuitive understanding which allows us to relate to one another as people. When the analytic network is engaged, our ability to appreciate the human cost of our action is repressed. Empathetic and analytic thinking are, at least to some extent, mutually exclusive in the brain. The disconnect between experiential understanding and scientific understanding is known as the explanatory gap, said the authors. Treatment needs to target a balance between these two networks. At present most rehabilitation, and more broadly most educational efforts of any sort, focus on tuning up the analytic network. Yet, we found more cortex dedicated to the social network. sciencedaily/releases/2012/10/121030161416.htm
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 17:34:48 +0000
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