SOC SCI H1E Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Neurochemistry, Homeostasis, The Takeaway
4 Jun 2019
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Morality & values reflect physiological features of brain. Churchland"s goal is to defend the idea that morality springs from neurochemistry. Small modifications to existing brain structures can bring about moral/ethical behavior, & this should be expected given the right sort of social group. Interested in link between evolved structures in brains & bodies & what sorts of things make us feel good or feel that things are right. Sociality depends very specifically on certain structures on the brain. Interactions that can benefit ourselves or others. This works, in part, because sociality feels good. Feel good because of feedback loops in brain relating affective social behavior to reward & motivation systems. One thing churchland is concerned about is values. Values are essentially anything that an animal cares about. Boils down to anything animal behaves to obtain as mediated by some evolved, functioning system. *connected to maslow including the focus on homeostasis.
