ISSN:
1824-310X
Keywords:
Instructionism
;
neural group selection
;
neoteny
;
neuroplasticity
;
sociobiology
;
ethics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The fact thatHomo sapiens have one of the longest childhoods in the animal kingdom is a most significant factor when considering the biological requirements for cultural evolution. The so-called long childhood is necessary for the intergenerational transmission of learned skills and behaviors that defined culture. It is important to distinguish between behavior motivated byinstinct and behavior that islearned as a result of having been reared in a culturally dependent environment. Our neotenic development occasions an ability to learn a variety of culturally dependent behaviors. Since we are born, quite literally, as human embryos, we must recognize that our brain undergoes the bulk of its development post-natally. It is significant that at the same time the brain develops its distinctive axon-neuron network structure, persons are learning culturally dependent accepted patterns of behavior that are related to (amongst many other things) language, altruism, aggression, rites, filial, proprieties, etc. The old reductionistic nature-nurture issue is best understood as a complex array of developmental processes in which environmental stimuli (nurture) may affect the physiological development (nature) of the brain. The early plasticity of human cognition may be, to a significant degree, shaped and physiologically constrained by environmental factors (especially in the early years of development). The presence of a diversity of environmental influences the world over suggests the possibility that a person's intolerance of foreign ethical belief systems may stem from a genuine inability to conceive of ethical relationships in a manner far removed from one's daily life and native environment. After consideration of the effects of neuroplasticity and human neotenic development, it is argued that a viable sociobiological research agenda must study not only those ethical behaviors that seem to beshared across cultures, but also those behaviors that stem from culturally distinctive attitudes that arenot shared across cultural boundaries.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02435473
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