Neuronal epigenesis

Knowledge of the cultural impacts on the brain’s functional architecture raises a number of epistemological and ontological issues. The brain develops in natural and cultural contexts that profoundly influence its functional architecture. Lived developmental trajectories, interactions, and social environments impact synaptic connectivity and contribute to the formation of patterns of neural activity.

Synaptic epigenesis theories of cultural and social imprinting on our brain architecture suggest that it is thereby possible to culturally influence our neural structures. In an analysis of epigenesis by selective stabilisation of synapses, this research project has been examining the relationships between genotype and brain phenotype: the paradox of non-linear evolution between genome and brain complexity; the selection of cultural circuits in the brain during development; and the genesis and epigenetic transmission of cultural imprints.

Aims

• To highlight how neuronal epigenesis is related to the acquisition of oral and written languages, symbolic, philosophical and religious systems, and connected to the issues of cultural diversity and universality of ethical predispositions.
• To use advances in epigenetics and neural activation as a starting point to further reflect on issues such as the development of moral norms and the potential moral obligation of humans to shape the neuronal architecture of their brains by adapting their social structures so that they promote cooperation.
• To examine the effect of poverty on the developing brain. We propose a serious discussion on how insights provided by neuroscience can contribute to a richer discussion on collective and personal responsibilities to alleviate poverty and its detrimental effects.

Time table

Ongoing since 2016

Contact

• Kathinka Evers, Professor of Philosophy

Collaborators

• Jean-Pierre Changeux, PhD Professor College de France and  Institut Pasteur, UMR 3571 CNRS Paris France

• Arleen Salles, PhD, Senior Researcher