VS Ramachandran: The neurons that shaped civilization

http://www.ted.com Neuroscientist Vilayanur Ramachandran outlines the fascinating functions of mirror neurons. Only recently discovered, these neurons allow us to learn complex social behaviors, some of which formed the foundations of human civilization as we know it.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts. Closed captions and translated subtitles in a variety of languages are now available on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/translate. Watch a highlight reel of the Top 10 TEDTalks at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

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[Yakko12345]

This guy was my prof at UCSD. Always an entertaining lecturer.

[3877michael]

Finally a video that explains the Trolls and Flamers on YouTube. NO empathy ! They are sub human! Now we can all feel sorry for their social retardation.

[cerebralcereal]

damn what happened to his awesome jacke from last time

[rturozamora37a]

This video is popular on Baku

[MrAtheism33]

@mdariotic Possibly. But it's much more complicated than that. Mirror neurons operate on a much more basic level. The major problems found in the brain of psychopaths are defecits in structures associated with physiological/emotional excitation and regulation. There are also often problems with learning (ie: rewards and punishments) and memory.

[mdariotic]

I wonder if psychopaths have some sort of problem in their mirror neurons and therefore they are not capable of feeling empathy for others :)

[tfed1219]

Gandhi neurons, so profound. No independent arising of phenomena. The correlation between neuro and contemplative traditions is so fascinating.

[tfed1219]

@Yakko12345 He was your lecturer?!! I'm so envious. My psychology lecturers were so uninspiring.

[IMAHMS]

Aside from the facts, I think some of his speculation & interpretations is BS; even animals can immitate, so its not something that has emerged in human population. Immitating a movement is something, but understanding the significance & the purpose of the movement is something else, without recognizing & interpreting other people's action, we wouldn't be self-awared. This neurons only function in immitating a movement, it is not the reason for the ability to learn, although it makes it easier.

[Merryyy203]

Our teacher used this in interpretation class =D It was impossible to take notes! But it is very interesting.

[Limeni69]

@Yakko12345 u lucky bastard :D

[shoemama]

Rollin those R's so hard