Outline 9/29/98

Evolution and Determinism

The Structure of the Nervous System

Central & Peripheral

Three Major Divisions of the Brain

Hindbrain, Midbrain, Forebrain

Within the Forebrain

Hypothalamus

Thalamus

Limbic System.

The Cortex

 

 

So...

Should we conclude that men's focus on physical beauty (especially WHR) and women's focus on status are natural, and therefore, good things?

No, to do so would be to commit the naturalistic fallacy--the assumption that because something exists naturally, it is good

 

 

Consider A Patient with Parkinson's Disease

 

 

 

Should we conclude that men and women's mate preferences are determined by their evolutionary heritage--that they are hostage to the whims of natural selection?

 

No, to do so is to commit the deterministic fallacy

 

The Deterministic Fallacy

The conclusion that genes (or heredity) determine behavior in a rigid way that is essentially unaffected by the environment.

 

 

 

Should we conclude that because a behavior was "adaptive" at some point in our evolutionary heritage that it is still adaptive?

No, consider the physiological toll associated with everyday anger and stress

 

 

 

 

Biological Approaches to Behavior: Proximal Causes

 

 

 

Why Study Biology in a Psychology Class?

 

 

 

Proximal Causes and the macro structure of the nervous system: The Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

 

 

 

Peripheral Nervous System

The somatic system (soma means body)--connects central nervous system to voluntary muscles.

The autonomic system--connects the CNS to nonvoluntary muscles, glands, and organs.

 

 

 

Within the Autonomic Nervous system can distinguish between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

 

 

 

 
The Brain

 

 

 

The Hindbrain

 

 

 

The Midbrain

 

 

 

The Forebrain

 

 

Hypothalamus

 

 

Thalamus

 

 

Limbic System.

 

 

 

The Cortex

 

 

The Cortex & Speech: Complexity and function