The age old philosophical enquiry about human nature received unexpected help from neuroscientists at the University of Chicago last year. Researchers looking into the connection between emotion and morality have demonstrated that our capacity for compassion and moral righteousness come from deep within our physical body. Evidence from the study shows that the human brain can quickly evaluate the intention behind a violent act, and will respond emotionally when witnessing abusive behaviour.
The study used a top-of-the-range brain scanning technique able to show the precise areas of the brain that respond to an event. Participants in the study watched a variety of videos featuring people injuring each other. Results showed that viewing images of accidental injury activated the TPJ (right posterior superior temporal sulcuc) area of the brain only. Images of intentional violence also activated the TPJ area, but this was followed by a nearly immediate activation of the amygdale and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, areas associated with emotion and morality-based decision making.
Jean Decety, author of the study, claims that the capacity for moral outrage lies deep within our evolutionary heritage, where living in social groups made us necessarily sensitive to the suffering of others. Clearly, something inside us craves to live in harmony and take care of our fellow beings. Though our evolutionary motivation might be the survival of the group rather than pure altruism, it does mean that there is a sound basis for a conception of human nature based on compassion.
It is positive news for us all to find that our neurology is based on judging the intentionality of an act, rather than our own self-interest (as several more cynical philosophers have claimed!) It’s also a useful discovery for researchers in the areas of mental health and psychopathy. Some individuals completely lack a capacity for empathy of this kind, and understanding how their brains work could prove foundational to their rehabilitation. Furthermore, the news should make all of us sit up and take note of what happens around us, knowing that silence in the face of abuse or exploitation is against our very nature. Ultimately, our conception of wellness must be a fully comprehensive one, and proper moral action is vital to our lasting wellbeing.
Comments are closed.