Political orientation correlates with brain differences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a study examining the correlation between political orientation and structural brain differences, specifically focusing on the anterior cingulate and amygdala. Participants explore the implications of these findings, the complexity of political beliefs, and the potential influence of genetics and environment on political ideology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that left-wing individuals have thicker anterior cingulates, while right-wing individuals have larger amygdalas, suggesting different brain functions related to task complexity and emotional processing.
  • One participant argues that the study implies liberals are more emotionally motivated, while another counters that the findings suggest the opposite regarding emotional processing in conservatives.
  • Concerns are raised about the study's sample size and its ability to draw statistically significant conclusions from only two subjects initially, leading to skepticism about the validity of the findings.
  • Some participants express doubt about the study's relevance, arguing that political beliefs are influenced by a combination of intelligence, knowledge, and emotional factors, complicating the interpretation of brain differences.
  • There is speculation about the role of genetics and epigenetics in shaping political orientation, with references to historical psychological theories.
  • One participant questions the implications of fluctuating political beliefs and the potential for identifying markers for ideologies beyond the left-right spectrum.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that if the study holds validity, brain scans could determine political views, highlighting the absurdity of such a reductionist approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no consensus on the implications of the study. Some agree on the complexity of political beliefs and the influence of emotional and cognitive factors, while others challenge the study's conclusions and methodology.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the small initial sample size, potential biases in interpreting brain structure differences, and the complexity of political ideology that may not be fully captured by the study.

  • #31
Come on now, everyone knows that size doesn't matter.
 
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  • #32
drankin said:
Come on now, everyone knows that size doesn't matter.

...
...
...

*waits for PF sisterhood to chime in*.


OK, well, that's why I specified density and speed. Everyone knows that women LOVE a guy who can look her in the eye and confidently say, "I last one, maybe two picoseconds... for you, three." :biggrin:

Of course, this is all the reason why I specified a greater density in the CC and speed for my neurons. I don't want large, corpulent neurons which become lazy and demand turkey legs just to fire!
 
  • #33
nismaratwork said:
I think the simple answer is that I have a super-brain, where my cerebral cortex is so densely packed, it's on the verge of becoming degenerate matter. Yep, that has to be it!

I will no longer be offended when people say I'm dense. Thank you for that, nismaratwork.
 
  • #34
mugaliens said:
I will no longer be offended when people say I'm dense. Thank you for that, nismaratwork.

Indeed, while size is NOT correlated with intelligence, the density of the cerebral cortex is a good indicator in mammals. Not perfect... after all, we could fill pages debating what it means to be intelligent, but certainly you want a nice, heavy... DENSE... brain.

Brains: The pound cake of the organ world.
 
  • #35
Are political beliefs hard wired? What a poorly phrased question. It seems to imply that these brain differences were genetically based. Of course political beliefs are "caused" by the brain. As if every other thought and belief.
How well controlled was this study? Maybe the "liberals" were more likely to be pot smokers (which would probably affect their amygdala.)

What does "left wing" and "right wing" even mean? Am I left wing or right wing?

I see this a lot in psychology/neuro-sci articles; very speculative "conclusions" based on some observations, poorly designed studies, and a whole lot of conjecture/arbitrary definition of terms.
 
  • #36
I'd like to add further nuance to the discussion. I often find that I strongly identify with the goals of liberals but am so skeptical of their execution now that I can't possibly support them by voting. I voted a red ticket in the midterm except for the governor whom I happen to think is very good at his job. Technically a democrat, he has all the traits of an independent. Prior to the 2008 election I always voted blue.

So, what does it mean to want to be liberal but be so pragmatic as to actually be a conservative?

(I want to believe in free lunches, but I just can't.)
 
  • #37
FlexGunship said:
I'd like to add further nuance to the discussion. I often find that I strongly identify with the goals of liberals but am so skeptical of their execution now that I can't possibly support them by voting. I voted a red ticket in the midterm except for the governor whom I happen to think is very good at his job. Technically a democrat, he has all the traits of an independent. Prior to the 2008 election I always voted blue.

So, what does it mean to want to be liberal but be so pragmatic as to actually be a conservative?

(I want to believe in free lunches, but I just can't.)

re: bolded... I'm fairly sure that's the definition of a realistic person who still wants a world that's better than any we've had before. Your lifetime of experience, added to a study of history would make you a fool to believe that our brand of liberals are no more likely to get us there than our conservatives are to stop teenage pregnancy and naughty thoughts.
 
  • #38
nismaratwork said:
I'm fairly sure that's the definition of a realistic person who still wants a world that's better than any we've had before.

It's always possible to conceive of a truly great idea for which there is no valid path of execution.
 
  • #39
Galteeth said:
Are political beliefs hard wired? What a poorly phrased question. It seems to imply that these brain differences were genetically based.

Can't be. I've been both a Democrat as well as a Republican.

Without a brain change.
 
  • #40
mugaliens said:
Can't be. I've been both a Democrat as well as a Republican.

Without a brain change.

Are you sure? :wink: I mean, really, you can't have done before and after scans of these particular regions. Anyway, you're clearly more flexible and intelligent than most people... and therefore a statistical long shot unsuitable for a study of this type. You are... ineligible! :smile:
 

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