IMPLICATIONS OF INTERPERSONAL NEUROBIOLOGY FOR A SPIRITUALITY OF COMPASSION

Interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) is a burgeoning interdisciplinary field that focuses on ways in which relationships shape and transform the architecture and functioning of the human brain. IPNB points to four specific conditions that appear to encourage the emergence of empathy. Further, these conditions, when gathered together, may constitute the core components of a spirituality of compassion. Following definitions and a discussion of interdisciplinary method, this essay delineates IPNB's main tenets and demonstrates ways in which IPNB sheds light on important aspects of human empathy and compassion. Drawing on this analysis, it introduces the four conditions that encourage the emergence of empathy in individuals and groups and shows why they may be central elements of a spirituality of compassion. A case study, in which the Native American Ojibwe practice of the talking circle is described and assessed through the lens of the IPNB‐derived spirituality of compassion, demonstrates the evaluative usefulness of this set of conditions.     

Should Psychology Ignore the Language of the Brain?

ABSTRACT— Claims that neuroscientific data do not contribute to our understanding of psychological functions have been made recently. Here I argue that these criticisms are solely based on an analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. However, fMRI is only one of the methods in the toolkit of cognitive neuroscience. I provide examples from research on event-related brain potentials (ERPs) that have contributed to our understanding of the cognitive architecture of human language functions. In addition, I provide evidence of (possible) contributions from fMRI measurements to our understanding of the functional architecture of language processing. Finally, I argue that a neurobiology of human language that integrates information about the necessary genetic and neural infrastructures will allow us to answer certain questions that are not answerable if all we have is evidence from behavior.     

脑的逻辑功能的核磁共振成像及其哲学意义

国际上关于逻辑对应的脑物理特征的功能核磁共振成像（fMRI）研究的主要成就在于：建立了高级精神活动和低级神经活动的关联关系的试验方法;提出了高级精神活动的（判断和推理）神经计算模型建立方法。这些研究的实验结果表明,逻辑与神经活动具有确定性的对应关系,它证明了强人工智能的观点：导致意识的可验证的实体（或者称为“意识关联物”）就是意识本身。意识的运行方式是可计算的,思维的本质可以还原为机械性的操作步骤,人工智能和人的天然智能在本质上并无二致。     

Errorless Learning in the Rehabilitation of Memory Impairment: A Critical Review

This review considers the origins of the errorless learning (EL) concept, its application in memory rehabilitation, the evidence for its effectiveness, and the theoretical basis for the observed findings. The evidence suggests that EL offers valuable benefits for at least some people with memory impairments when teaching certain types of tasks. However, the benefits are not evident for all groups, some findings are equivocal, and there are some limitations associated with this approach. We discuss methodological issues impacting on these mixed findings, consider which theoretical explanations might account for the findings regarding benefits and limitations of EL, and comment on the implications for rehabilitation practitioners of the current state of evidence in this area.     

脑死亡立法的若干法律问题探讨

因为关系到基本人权,脑死亡立法应当由全国人民代表大会立法通过。制定科学的脑死亡标准和严谨的脑死亡判定程序是保障其接近正义的必需。在脑死亡判定方面应充分地保障患者生命权、自主选择权,尊重患者以及家属的知情同意权,保障患者的基本权利是脑死亡立法的核心所在。器官移植不是脑死亡立法的理由。     

脑死亡立法的艰难与中国传统文化

因中国传统伦理文化对人们意识观念的深刻影响导致中国脑死亡立法步履艰难。从中国传统文化视角分析中国的脑死亡及相关伦理问题,提出中国脑死亡诊断标准的制定必须充分考虑民族心理感受,要立足于民族文化理性地探索“中国脑死亡”。     

孤独症生命早期脑过度生长现象及启示

孤独症神经结构研究中近来一个重要的发现是,孤独症生命早期存在脑过度生长的现象。进一步的探查表明,孤独症个体脑的过度生长主要由脑白质的过度生长造成,并且脑的过度生长又主要体现于那些较晚成熟的高级脑区。这一研究成果有助于孤独症儿童的早期发现和诊断,也提示孤独症并不是由单一的局部神经缺陷造成,其存在着广泛分布式的神经发展障碍     

双语控制的神经基础及其对第二语言教学的启示

双语加工和控制的认知神经科学研究发现,与一般性执行功能有关的最关键的脑区前额皮层,以及其它的相关脑区及神经基础如前扣带回、基底神经节和下顶叶等参与了双语语言理解和语言产生的双语控制中。这些研究成果对于利用第二语言促进认知控制能力的发展,以及利用认知控制训练促进高效率的第二语言教学有着重要的启示。     

TELEOLOGY IN BIOLOGY: WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE?

Abstract. Teleological thinking permeates biology and is useful in pondering unanswered biological questions. Such thinking differs from the usual sense of teleology in that “purpose” in biology carries no imputation of causation. A few examples are given. The teleological system of biology is every bit as elegant a construct of the human mind as any other teleological system and in no way precludes spirituality. I argue that it provides a firmer foundation for moral guidance than supernatural systems.     

脑内移植发展的回顾和展望

脑内移植是神经系统疾病的一种新的治疗措施。它适应临床实践的需要而产生,历经脑内组织移植和脑内干细胞移植两个重要发展阶段,其中脑内干细胞移植的研究主要有神经干细胞移植、胚胎干细胞移植、骨髓和脐血间充质干细胞移植。脑内干细胞移植是目前国内外医学研究的热点,具有广阔的临床应用前景,但也存在许多有待解决的问题,还需要经过一个艰难曲折的探索过程,最终使之成为治疗神经系统疾病的有效方法。它的产生和发展遵循着认识论和辩证法的客观规律,体现了科学认识的实践性、深刻性和创造性。