Two stubborn issues in Brain Research Where is the self? His and Her Brains?

Objectives Identify the self in relation to the brain= religion…where are you in five years? Explain how men and women have different brains

Where is the self? I am feeling happy or Sad- which part of the brain is I? My mind is playing tricks on me? Religion- Immortal self or soul exists apart from the brain Most actions and choices occur with NO conscious awareness

Where is the Self? Modern brain scientists explain the mind or soul in physical terms as a product of the cerebral cortex. Mind is a series of independent brain parts dealing with different aspects of thoughts (Dennett 1991). Mind is a loose confederation of mental systems all working without conscious awareness (Gazzaniga, 1998; Roser & Gazzaniga, 2004). Frontal lobes may play a critical role. Many still question the relationship between subjective experience and physical processes of the brain. chapter 4

Brain as individual modules D. Dennett (91’) different brain parts deal with different aspects of thoughts, perceptions, revitalizing their ‘drafts’ Eastern spiritual religions (collective culture)= Buddhism Says self not a unified thing but a collection of thoughts, perceptions, concepts and feelings Shift and change from moment to moment

His and Her Brains Sex difference in the Brain? Maybe, yes, no. Centuries of prejudices, biased research against women= Sticky wicket Some say most differences in between men and women in the brain Frontal lobes, limbic system larger in women Parietal cortex, amygdala larger in men

More his, hers Brain scans show differences during tasks 19 men, 19 women studied, compare rhyming words Both left side of brain activated= lang. However all 19 of women had rt. Side of brain active But ZERO rt. activity in men Another study of 9 autopsied brains showed women 11% more cells in audio cortex (listening)

“His” and “her” brains? After analyzing 49 studies of sex differences in brain anatomy, researchers found small differences between the two groups and larger differences within groups. There do appear to be sex differences in lateralization of language. Males show left hemisphere activation only. Females show left and right hemisphere activation. Females have more gray matter. chapter 4

Grisham study M.R.I. study, 10 men and 10 women, listen to a story read out loud Men and women, activity in temporal lobe However women showed activity in right temporal lobe As a result difference in lateralization between sexes

What do differences mean for behavior? Supposed differences are stereotypes. Brain difference does not necessarily explain behavior or performance. Sex differences in the brain could be the result rather than the cause of behavioral differences. chapter 4

What does this mean for men and women? Yes average sex differences in brain do exist But 3 problems with this conclusion

Problems with conclusion 1. Supposed gender differences (intuition, abilities) are stereotypes- Overlap between sexes is greater than the differences Differences quite small in practical terms

Problems Cont… 2. Brain difference does not necessarily explain behavior or performance Rhyme judgment study, both sides did equally well despite differences in M.R.I. Men/women different patterns but generally same ability Most differences speculations

Problems with conclusion cont.. 3.Sex differences in the brain could be the result rather than the cause of behavioral differences Experiences in life form functions of brain String musician, cab driver, mom, coach= different experience/interactions Differences in way we are raised (environment) OR hard wired (Genetics)

Summary Self and brain Men women different (OTOH)