Emotions in Science?

What does present-day science theorize about emotions, as to what causes them and why?Example feelings being anger (with subs like jealousy or pride), sadness (depression, rejection, etc.), happiness (a feeling of acceptance or accomplishment, etc.), nervousness, deja vu, and nostalgia.This message has been edited by Drew, 11-02-2005 02:29 PM

Cuteness.The perception of it seems like an eccentricity of our species (assuming no others could relate).

Drew, They are behaviours arrived at via evolution, or are corollaries of the same, is the short answer.Mark

---

There are 10 kinds of people in this world; those that understand binary, & those that don't

It seems pretty simple to me. Being evolved from less intelligent, less reflective, less communicative beings, why wouldn't we still have the influences on behavior that governed those beings? That's one more potent indicator of the fundamental accuracy of evolution, if you ask me.When cellular metabolisms evolved to utilize oxygen, they still maintained the anaerobic metabolic pathways that preceeded them. Even your own cells contain these less-efficient forbears. So, too, do we maintain the precedents of behavior.

Emotions in the brain have been shown to be the result chemical reactions alone.However, I do not believe that it accounts for the conscious perception of those emotions.

I think this is probably the kind of answer I was looking for, just because I understand it. But what causes these chemical reactions?I'm not arguing this discussion, I'm just curious.Edit: This post was directed at Guidosoft.This message has been edited by Drew, 11-02-2005 07:50 PM

Emotions Chemical Reaction Brain - Google SearchJust look around. Meanwhile, I will try to find a decent article explaining in depth these things.I got this book once called "the GOD gene". It explained religious experiences as just chemical reactions in the brain. It didn't prove God or disprove it, it just said about how religious experience is implanted in our genetic code and crap. So either God could have built this in (which is what I think), or the bullshit theory did it. You know the evolution theory.Your probably better off getting full-length books than just random crap off the internet. They have alot of information and explain things in depth, unless you can find a decent e-book on the net.This message has been edited by Guidosoft, 11-02-2005 09:05 PM

Good point, Guidosoft.Antonio Damasio separates between emotions (evolutionarily preserved behavioral sequences, typically governed by the limbic system) and feelings (conscious perception of those emotions).Drew, I'd read some Damasio if you're really interested in the cognitive and neuroscience aspects of emotion. I think it should be accessible to an interested layman.

Thanx. I am working on reading that PDF document btw. Interesting, but so far I see nothing that actually explains consciousness, just some interesting relationships.

I'll be sure to check up at that author, thanks for the information.

This is an important area of study. When my colleagues injected some chemicals in the brain, they were able to simulate aggressive behaviour. When they injected their antagonists, they were able to reverse the behaviour. The basis for this phenomenon is the role of Serotonin and GABA. I confirmed this finding by studying the synaptosomal neurotransmitter function. Serotonin and Gamma Amino Butyric acid(GABA) antagonized the behavioural function. We also observe that those who have nutritional deficiencies of Vitamin B6 exhibit some behavioural problems. What is the relation between emotions and behaviour? Emotions are reflected in behaviour. Serotonin plays a significant role in controlling emotions and mood.There are nearly 15 chemicals in brain which are known as Neuro transmitter substances.Dr. Candace Pert has written a fascinating book entitled "Molecules and Emotions". In my personal communications with her, she strongly believes that emotions go beyond chemicals.There is aspiritual component to this. I will give 2 examples and leave it for discussion: We see lots of hard core drug addicts, porno addicts etc. turn around and this is reflected in altered behaviour. Once upon a time, they all had emotional outbursts of rage and anger. After they experienced Salvation through Jesus Christ, their emotions came under control. It is a total transformation. Yes, these changes correspond to intense Chemical activities and Electrical activities. It even goes beyond. This is a spiritual influence fromk God. This produces, Love, joy, patience, peace etc. Before this life changing experience, they were all experiencing uncontrolled anger, rage and bitterness. The spirit influences the heart. Then the heart influences Brain through Electrochemical activities. If you talk ot a Psychologist, he will laugh at you. Yet, this is the reality. Another example is in Exorcism.This message has been edited by inkorrekt, 02-13-2006 12:46 PM

Inkorrekt, the topic of this thread is:Emotions in Science? Despite your paragraph of reminiscences about brain chemistry research, you seem to be attempting to move the thread off-topic.If you wish to discuss the role of religion in the treatment of addiction, I suggest you propose a new topic.

---

Trust me.

What are some advantages that emotions give to an animal? I can understand that emotion could sometimes help the young to survive by influencing a mother's response when danger is near her younglings, like an elephant mother desperately trying to save her child from sinking completely into a swamp, but how is this superior to certain maternal/paternal instincts that we see in lower animal?

well as far as humans and most animals, i would say they all are linked to survival, being that we are a social animal, the empathy for non-blood relelives is important if you have groups doing different things, such as protection or hunting. if we didn't care about others outside our young i don't think we would be where we are today

I'm leery of "lower" and "higher" comparisons of animals.Perhaps it is more useful to think in terms of different strategies. Some creatures rely on producing mass quantities of young and provide no postnatal care whatsoever; some creatures produce single or few young at a time and invest tremendous amounts in their survival. Pretty much every strategic approach between these two extremes is utilized. I suspect the differences can be accounted for by the ecological contexts--past and present--in which each organism evolved.As to the emotional state: perhaps the question is upside down. What is it about the physiological response which produces the emotion that is useful to the defending parent? Consider our own adrenaline rush and its conferral of hyperalertness, sharper response times, inurement to pain, heightened strength: the emotional element is our experience of that state.As to more complex emotional experiences, I think the Rev is right on about their roots in our social existence.

---

"Dost thou think because thou art virtuous there shall be no more cakes and ale?"
-Sir Toby Belch, Twelfth Night Save lives! Click here!
Join the World Community Grid with Team EvC!
---------------------------------------