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
Selected publications
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Neuroscience of Childhood Poverty: Evidence of Impacts and Mechanisms as Vehicles of Dialog With Ethics
Part of Frontiers in Psychology, 2017.
DOI for Neuroscience of Childhood Poverty: Evidence of Impacts and Mechanisms as Vehicles of Dialog With Ethics Download full text (pdf) of Neuroscience of Childhood Poverty: Evidence of Impacts and Mechanisms as Vehicles of Dialog With Ethics
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Proactive Epigenesis and Ethics
Part of EMBO Reports, p. 1271-, 2017.
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Proactive epigenesis and ethical innovation
Part of EMBO Reports, p. 1361-1364, 2016.
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Can we be epigenetically proactive?
Part of Open MIND, 2015.
The Human Brain Project

The Human Brain Project is one of the European Community flagship projects and involves over 100 groups. Kathinka Evers leads the philosophical research.
Neuroethics & RRI
Conceptual analysis

Answers to questions about transferring brain knowledge to medicine, law, philosophy, and health and social policy.
Neuroethics & Neurophilsophy

Any attempt at understanding how the mind and the brain work comes with a set of philosophical, ethical and social issues.
