![]({"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41LXx5sxnLL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg":[225,346],"https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41LXx5sxnLL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg":[324,499]})
There appear to be at least two main criticisms of Keysers’ book. He over-generalizes the actual manifestations or certainty of inherent empathic responses. Second, he does not adequately address the failures of mirror neurons among some persons or situations. These challenges have reasonable grounds, and I regret that the author has not published a revised edition that addresses them.
From this perspective, I defend Keysers’ general assessment of the potential value and functions of mirror neurons. But I distinguish between a normal, inborn potential for empathetic responses to others, and the situations where such actions fail to be manifested. My justification stems initially from Kurt Lewin’s (1935; 1951) field theory and data showing that human behavior depends more on environmental and situational conditions than on the traits of individual persons. It is true that persons like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela exist, but they are rare. Most of us cannot overcome incredible situational and cultural pressure or punishment.
My views here are also supported by Robert Sapolsky (2017) Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst. See especially his discussions of US-versus-Them dichotomies involving in-group and out-group categorizations and related behavior (especially Chaps 11 & 12). These dynamics stem from emotional responses that are initiated below our conscious awareness and before rational cognitions. See Leonard Mlodinow (2012) Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior.
The brain specialist Antonio Damasio did not cite Kurt Lewin (1935 or 1951) in his recent book (2018, The Strange Order of Things: Life, Feeling, and the Making of Cultures). However, Damasio clearly shows that environmental and situational factor are more powerful in shaping behavior than personal traits are. See especially Chap. 12. Key implications seem clear to me: If we want to have a nation with empathetic children and humane adults, we need to communicate that clearly to our political leaders and powerful elites. Damasio added the need for civil cultures and meaningful human rights for all persons.
A final note. Our nation is relatively uninformed about the role that our leaders played in helping to create the United Nations and its commitment to human rights. This commitment is a key part of the United Nations Charter (1945) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948). We also often know very little about Crimes Against Humanity, a new type of international crime that was adopted at Nuremberg in response to two World Wars and the Nazi holocaust. This, incidentally, is the legacy that President Trump and the U.S. Senate are ignoring.
- Paperback: 248 pages
- Publisher: Social Brain Press (November 1, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 9081829203
- ISBN-13: 978-9081829205
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches
- Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Average Customer Review: 17 customer reviews
-
Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#776,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3276 in Interpersonal Relations (Books)
- #2319 in Psychiatry (Books)
- #6591 in Biology (Books)
Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?
