mirror-neuron-system

The chapter discusses the mirror neuron system as a neural basis for empathy and social understanding, highlighting its role in reflecting others' minds and enabling imitation and emotional connection.

2 chapters across 2 books

Biosphere Politics (2009)Jeremy Rifkin

CHAPTER 3: A SENTIENT INTERPRETATION OF BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION 1 Miller, Greg. “Neuroscience: Reflecting on Another’s Mind.” Science . Vol. 308. No. 5724. May 13, 2005. pp. 945-947. 2 Blakeslee, Sandra. “Cells That Read Minds.” The New York Times . Jan. 10, 2006. 3 Glenberg, Arthur M. “Naturalizing Cognition: The Integration of Cognitive Science and Biology.” Current Biology . Vol. 16. No. 18. Sept. 19, 2006. pp. R802-804. 4 Siegel, Daniel J. The Mindful Brain: Refl ection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being . New York: W.W. Norton, 2007. p. 165. 5 Ibid. pp. 165-166. 6 Blakeslee. “Cells That Read Minds.” 7 Keysers, C., B. Wicker, V. Gazzola, J. L. Anton, L. Fogassi, and V. Gallese. “A Touching Sight: SII/PV Activation During the Observation and Experience of Touch.” Neuron . Vol. 42. No. 2. Apr. 22, 2004. p. 336. 8 Ibid. p. 342. 9 Holden, Constance. “Neuroscience: Imaging Studies Show How Brain Thinks About Pain.” Science . Vol. 303. No. 5661. February 20, 2004. p. 1121. 10 Blakeslee. “Cells That Read Minds.” 11 “Why Autistic Children Do Not Imitate or Empathize: It Could Be a Dysfunctional Mirror-Neuron System.” University of California-Los Angeles. ScienceDaily . May 4, 2007. 12 Ibid. 13 Blakeslee. “Cells That Read Minds.” 14 Stein, Rob. “Science Notebook: Chimps Show Desire to Fit In.” The Washington Post . Aug. 22, 2005. p. A5. 15 Bradshaw, G. A., Allan N. Schore, Janine L. Brown, Joyce H. Poole, and

Chapter 3 of 'Biosphere Politics' presents a sentient interpretation of biological evolution by integrating neuroscience, cognitive science, and ethology to argue that sentience, empathy, and social cognition are fundamental evolutionary traits. Drawing on studies of mirror neurons, animal emotions, and human cognitive development, the chapter challenges mechanistic views of evolution, emphasizing the role of mind, emotion, and sociality in the evolutionary process. It also references classical and contemporary thinkers to situate these insights within a broader philosophical and biological context.

Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis (2009)Jeremy Rifkin

CHAPTER 3: A SENTIENT INTERPRETATION OF BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

Chapter 3 presents a sentient interpretation of biological evolution by integrating neuroscience, cognitive science, and ethology to argue that empathy and consciousness are deeply rooted in evolutionary processes. It draws on evidence from mirror neurons, animal emotions, and social behaviors to demonstrate that sentience and moral capacities have biological foundations that challenge traditional views of human uniqueness. The chapter also explores the evolutionary origins of language, play, and morality, emphasizing their roles in the development of global consciousness.