Medical Magnetic field modifies morality

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the implications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in understanding morality, specifically its effects on the right temporal-parietal junction (rtpj). Participants debate whether morality can be localized in the brain and express skepticism about the rigor of studies that suggest TMS modifies moral behavior. Concerns are raised about the limitations of focusing solely on moral questions and whether TMS disrupts broader cognitive processes. Anecdotes about individuals with frontal lobe damage illustrate the complexity of linking brain function to moral behavior. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for more comprehensive research to draw definitive conclusions about morality and brain function.
  • #31
Citation for the paper:

Liane Young, Joan Albert Camprodon, Marc Hauser, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, and Rebecca Saxe, "Disruption of the right temporoparietal junction with transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces the role of beliefs in moral judgments", PNAS, 107, 6753-6758 (2010).

Pyth: I've saved a copy; PM me your email, if interested.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #32
I found it and posted it above, thanks though Gokul, still appreciated.
 
  • #33
Oops! Didn't notice there was a second page of posts.
 
  • #34
Thanks to both!

I've just scanned the paper, but I'm disturbed by the small smaple size, and the nature of the test. I don't see ANY screening for morality vs. impulse and otheer diminshed capacity. It looks very interesting however, and somewhat startling. Putting what you believe to be poison in someone's coffee is DEEPLy anti-social, but it raises questions about perception that are not answered here.

I'd like to see something a bit more direct and screened, such as people rigging a card game, or even (fake) Russian Roulette. In other words, I want to see a clearly IMMORAL or amoral stance taken as a result of the TMS, not just abnormal behaviour after being blasted with a EM field targeted at a crucial region. Putting powder in coffee, as they admit in the paper, is not necessarily a clearly immoral act; it could be careless, or impulsive.

EDIT: More embarressing, I didn't notice that Pythagorean posted it. :redface: Oooooh boy. *raps on head... wooden sound fills room*.
 
  • #35
It seems the connection between morality and the rtpj had been established already by other papers. See the references at the end. That's where you'll have to dig for the actual process involved.

I'm on my mobile now, but there were some complaints about the old view of the prefrontal lobe (I skimmed last night)

the descrepincy seems to be comparing negative outcome to negative intention.

I'll have to read more when I have time.
 
  • #36
pythagorean said:
it seems the connection between morality and the rtpj had been established already by other papers. See the references at the end. That's where you'll have to dig for the actual process involved.

I'm on my mobile now, but there were some complaints about the old view of the prefrontal lobe (i skimmed last night)

the descrepincy seems to be comparing negative outcome to negative intention.

i'll have to read more when i have time.

bingo.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
444
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K