Scientific American – Morals, Not Memories, Define Who We Are
Analysis of the data revealed that participants perceived the greatest disruptions in patients’ identity when they observed changes in moral traits. Other cognitive deficits—like those seen with amnesia—had no measurable effect on the perception of identity. Consequently, those with frontotemporal dementia showed the greatest changes in perceived identity, since it specifically affects the frontal lobe functions underlying moral reasoning and behavior.
Insightful read, especially after last semester’s Philosophy course making me consider the existential aspect of identity—where do we exist? In our bodies? In our brains? And what makes us “us”?
Furthermore, what are the implications in a post-Trump America where the MAGA nonsense has triggered these kinds of shifts in people everywhere?
