Abstract
AbstractProgress in neuroscience – notably, on the dynamic functions of neural networks – has deepened our understanding of decision‐making, acquisition of character and temperament, and the development of moral dispositions. The evolution of our cerebral architecture is both genetic and epigenetic: the nervous system develops in continuous interaction with the immediate physical and socio‐cultural environments. Each individual has a unique cerebral identity even in the relative absence of genetic distinction, and the development of this identity is strongly influenced by social and cultural environments leaving major traces in the connectivity of the brain. This interaction introduces important elements of variability and plasticity. Synaptic epigenetic theories of cultural and social imprinting on our brain architecture suggest the possibility that we can be “epigenetically proactive” and adapt our social structures, in both the short and the long term, to benefit and constructively interact with the ever‐developing neuronal architecture of our brains. Epigenetic proaction can be described as a way to socially steer evolution by influencing the cultural imprints to be stored in our brains. The purpose of this article is to present, in a historical and ideological light, the idea that we may culturally shape the developing brain, and discuss some key risks and benefits of this endeavour. The article is a contribution to neuroethics.
Highlights
THE STRUCTURES OF SOCIETIES and cultures are importantly shaped by the structures of brains
The neuronal organization of a human adult brain develops in the course of up to a 25-year-long period following birth during which, and, to a lesser extent, after which, it is subject to cultural influence, both at the individual level and at the social group level, across generations
Synaptic epigenetic theories of cultural and social imprinting on our brain architecture (Changeux, 1983/1997, 2004; Changeux et al, 1973; Changeux and Danchin, 1976; Edelman, 1987), which differ from less discriminative epigenetic modifications of nuclear chromatin, suggest a possibility, which has so far been underestimated; namely, that we can be “epigenetically proactive”, which means that we adapt our social structures, in both the short and the long term, to benefit, influence and constructively interact with the ever-developing neuronal architecture of our brains
Summary
THE STRUCTURES OF SOCIETIES and cultures are importantly shaped by the structures of brains. Scientific theories develop in political and ideological contexts and are sometimes theoretically permeated by them This is not least apparent in sciences purporting to explain the human mind and human behaviour, and before describing the scientific foundations of epigenetic proaction, I shall briefly explain their historical background. There is no evidence of a dedicated moralfocused area in the brain, but ample evidence shows how brain dysfunctions or damage can underlie a multitude of cognitive, emotional and behavioural disabilities, such as memory loss, and attention deficit or personality disorders, including moral incapacity or the inability to experience morally relevant emotions, such as shame or guilt (cf., e.g., Damasio et al, 1994) In this respect, neuroscience notably differs from other branches of life sciences, such as genetics. Let us merely observe that historical awareness is of utmost importance in assessing the risks versus the benefits of these scientific advances in a responsible and realistic manner, not least in order to acknowledge and usefully apply the socially crucial insight that the neuro-cultural relations are mutual and symbiotic
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