The basic assumptions are, that there exists only one thing: matter. The brain, which generates the mind, does not generate an immaterial something, called "the mind".
The mind is somehow a feature of the brain like liquidity is a feature of water. Thus the brain is the cause of our "Supersense", which we discussed in the beginning.
We have seen a number of neurobiological discoveries and insights regarding the functioning of the brain. The present subject, the basic emotions of the homo sapiens, focus on the fact, that he a biological being.
This means that he is the result of evolution and as a species possesses general features, that you will find with any individual of the species.
Most important to understand is, that the presence on this planet of the homo sapiens as we know it today, is in relation to 5 million years of evolution, still a pretty short period and do you think that we are the end of evolution?
A second issue to keep in mind is, that the homo sapiens is inclined to believe, that its essence is defined by describing itself as a rational being.
Our focus on the basic emotions, which helped the species through the evolutionary process, is one way to show, that this Self is a bit unbalanced. The ratio is just a part of our Self and we really can question the fact that it is our dominant feature.
These are all not absolute facts, but my basic assumptions, my picture of the homo sapiens and its existence. I have proposed to assume the "truth" of these assumptions only for a pragmatic reason.
It offers the opportunity to paint a specific picture, which we definitely will scrutinize with a magnifying glass in the near future, when we'll ask the real philosophical questions about what we see in the painting.
But before we do that there are still some interesting subjects to discuss regarding our brain activity. In this case the emotion of disgust.
In the previous lecture I said "as far as we know, you only find this emotion in the repertoire of the homo sapiens", but I have discovered other sources.
The name connected with the emotion of disgust is Paul Rozin (born 1936). He is a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania. His current work focuses on the psychological, cultural, and biological determinants of human food choice.
In an article in PENN Arts & Science, fall1997, we read this:
"Disgust evolves culturally," explains Rozin, "and develops from a system to protect the body from harm to a system to protect the soul from harm."
At its root, disgust is a revulsion response -- "a basic biological motivational system" -- that Darwin associated with the sense of taste. Its function is to reject or discharge offensive-tasting food from the mouth (and/or the stomach),
and its fundamental indicator, the "gape" or tongue extension, has been observed in a number of animals, including birds and mammals. In humans, the characteristic facial expressions of disgust that coincide with gaping include nose wrinkling and raising the upper lip,
behaviors usually accompanied by a feeling of nausea and a general sense of revulsion. Together these behaviors and sensations facilitate the rejection of food that has been put into the mouth.
(http://www.sas.upenn.edu/sasalum/newsltr/fall97/rozin.html)
This may sound a bit confusing, as is said that eventually disgust evolved into "a system to protect the soul from harm." Animals certainly haven't a soul as is meant here.
But here we must make a clear distinction between a primary form of disgust, which solely has to do with spoiled food and -but this is questionable - with faces and other "products" of the human body,
because it is quite well possible that we can interpret these as examples of the secondary form of disgust: disgust shaped and influenced by culture. Next lecture I'll dig into the disgusting details, which will elucidate this distinction.
You don't need to come then…. ^_^
The Discussion
[13:20] herman Bergson: Thank you ...
[13:20] Doodus Moose: ... when disgust will be discussed :-)
[13:20] Bejiita Imako: hehe
[13:20] BALDUR Joubert: grin you had a cat herman.. its facial expression is quite significvant when she is disgusted... don't need a p
[13:20] herman Bergson: Well it is an amazing emotion....
[13:20] BALDUR Joubert: psychologist to find out
[13:21] BALDUR Joubert: so.. its much older than homo sapiens in evolution
[13:21] herman Bergson: Next lecture will be disgusting fun ^_^
[13:21] Bejiita Imako: well i guess all things that look taste and smell bad produce this feeling
[13:21] Bejiita Imako: also a very interesting thing
[13:21] herman Bergson: Yes Baldur…
[13:21] BALDUR Joubert: yes..but why ?
[13:22] herman Bergson: Tell me...
[13:22] BALDUR Joubert: may i ask you a question herman...
[13:22] Bejiita Imako: almost everything that decompose contain sulphur components and those in general smell very bad
[13:22] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): is it to protect our body agains spoiled food?
[13:22] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i think he meant feces not faces
[13:22] Bejiita Imako: and what make us think that different things smell in just that way
[13:22] herman Bergson: yes Beertje..that is the basic issue
[13:22] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): making a show of disgust other that the repulsion of tainted food seems to be tantimonious to me
[13:23] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): but is it a feeling or an expression ari
[13:23] BALDUR Joubert: when you say evolution and homo sapiens
[13:23] BALDUR Joubert: for me homo s. is the result of an evolution
[13:23] Bejiita Imako: guess that sulphur components smell bad have evolved into our senses cause stuff that decompose contain them and this is not good to eat
[13:23] Bejiita Imako: a warning indicator
[13:23] BALDUR Joubert: result
[13:23] Bejiita Imako: sort of
[13:23] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i get a feeling of disgust at certain statements
[13:23] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): like certain channels on the tv when i am watching the news
[13:23] Bejiita Imako: take h2 s for ex
[13:23] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): I suspect it is different from theprimal urge and more an expression of disapproval
[13:23] BALDUR Joubert: which happened through australopectis ..steinheim etc
[13:23] Bejiita Imako: this is the stuff that rotten eggs produce
[13:23] herman Bergson: Yes Gemma....that is an important observation!
[13:23] Bejiita Imako: H2S
[13:24] BALDUR Joubert: how themselves were products of evolution
[13:24] herman Bergson: Yes Baldur......what is your point?
[13:24] herman Bergson: Hi Zinzi
[13:24] BALDUR Joubert: so if homo sapiens is the result..changes are not evolutionary ..but development-- just like muscles develop so does the brain
[13:24] Zinzi Serevi: hello..:)
[13:25] Bejiita Imako: I guess if good things instead produced these components we might have been wired to feel a good smell from ex H"S and such things
[13:25] BALDUR Joubert: smile i have finished:)
[13:25] Bejiita Imako: a theory
[13:25] herman Bergson: That is the point Bejiita...I don't think so...
[13:25] herman Bergson: unless disgust is 100% culturally determined
[13:26] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): I think disgust at it's core is innate evolution, the rest has to be nurtured development
[13:26] BALDUR Joubert: if it were 100% cultural animals won't show disgust
[13:26] herman Bergson: It seems to be a biological feature of the organism...an animal or a homo sapiens
[13:26] Bejiita Imako: cause its otherwise weird cause why does EVERYTHING that is bad produce this smelly stuff otherwise or have nature made it that way by itself so we shouldnt eat it
[13:26] Bejiita Imako: the production of this stuff
[13:27] Doodus Moose: or perhaps we've evolved to recognize something as "smelly" - when it might not be so bad to something else
[13:27] Doodus Moose: (dogs, and what they do, for example)
[13:27] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): how do we explain limburger cheese?
[13:27] herman Bergson: well..keep in mind there are two things...
[13:27] BALDUR Joubert: has to do with survival i think.. learn not to eat what can harm you:)
[13:27] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ LOL ♥
[13:27] Bejiita Imako: ex rotten eggs shit compost ect
[13:27] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i love it
[13:28] Bejiita Imako: is bad for u and therefor smell bad
[13:28] BALDUR Joubert: 1000 year eggs are delicatessen in china
[13:28] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): limburger?????
[13:28] herman Bergson: horrible smell Gemma!!!!!!!
[13:28] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): but so so tasty
[13:28] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): but a lot of people love it
[13:28] Bejiita Imako: smells like foot sweat EEEEEEEEEWWW
[13:28] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): yes me
[13:28] herman Bergson: Yes and I'll discuss that in the next lecture ^_^
[13:28] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ LOL ♥
[13:28] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne) nods...
[13:29] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): yum
[13:29] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): lol
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: also we have something here in sweden called surströmming ( lit sour herring)
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: basically rotten fish
[13:29] BALDUR Joubert: limbutger in a train you can empty a compartment in no time and find a place to sit
[13:29] herman Bergson: JUST HOLD ON FOR A MINUTE>>>
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: fermented
[13:29] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): ;p;
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: stink like hell i think
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: lot of people love it
[13:29] herman Bergson: PLZ....
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: i wouldnt touch the stuff
[13:29] Bejiita Imako: eeeew
[13:29] herman Bergson: I HAVE A QUESTION...^_^
[13:29] herman Bergson: Gemma...
[13:30] BALDUR Joubert: lets listen...
[13:30] herman Bergson: How do you know "Limburger"
[13:30] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i am a very cosmopolitan eater
[13:30] herman Bergson: Here it is called rommedoeke...
[13:30] BALDUR Joubert: by going to limburg lol
[13:30] Bejiita Imako: haha
[13:30] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): well, the basis of bad smelling food being disgusting is not universal was my points not
[13:30] herman Bergson: let her answer Baldur...
[13:30] Zinzi Serevi: yes a rommedoeke! :)
[13:30] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): universal tastes
[13:30] Bejiita Imako: yes to some degree it seems
[13:31] Bejiita Imako: my mom ex loves this "surströmming"
[13:31] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): like 'nonnevotte?'
[13:31] herman Bergson: Where did you tatsed Limburger Gemma?????
[13:31] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): lots of times
[13:31] herman Bergson: ?????
[13:31] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): we have very good cheese shops in connecticut
[13:31] herman Bergson: Been in the area???
[13:31] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): import cheeses
[13:31] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): from all over the world
[13:31] Zinzi Serevi: wow
[13:31] herman Bergson: Wow.....lol...so cool
[13:31] Bejiita Imako: but its general name is limburger right?
[13:32] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): oh yes
[13:32] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): even Limburgse kaas??
[13:32] Bejiita Imako: thats also how i know the stuff
[13:32] herman Bergson: AMAZING!!!!!!
[13:32] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ LOL ♥
[13:32] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i do not go get it every week
[13:32] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): once in a few years i have it somewhere
[13:32] herman Bergson: And this only because we are discussing Disgust...
[13:32] Bejiita Imako: ok
[13:32] herman Bergson: that cheese smells so awfull..
[13:32] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): you're whole fridge wil smell bad...
[13:33] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i can get past the smell
[13:33] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): I believe also it is a cultural thing as to what food odores are offensive
[13:33] herman Bergson: yes Gemma!
[13:33] Ciska Riverstone: yes ARistotle
[13:33] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): my brain says it still tastes good
[13:33] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne): .me nods
[13:33] herman Bergson: Oh Yes Aristotle....
[13:33] Zinzi Serevi: we can learn to eat
[13:33] BALDUR Joubert: culture is full of weird things
[13:33] herman Bergson: We'll discuss that next time!
[13:33] BALDUR Joubert: thoughts
[13:33] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i have friends who cannot stand the smell of garlic!!!!
[13:33] Doodus Moose: :-/
[13:33] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): thye eat a decaye fish sauce in south east asie robusly that made me ill to smell it
[13:34] herman Bergson: LOVE IT!!!
[13:34] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): asia*
[13:34] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ LOL ♥
[13:34] herman Bergson: The more th ebetter
[13:34] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:34] Bejiita Imako: sounds like our surströmming
[13:34] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): oh i lóve fish sauce
[13:34] Bejiita Imako: hehe
[13:34] BALDUR Joubert: hm..how about the saying when with some one ..i can't smellhim/her?
[13:34] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): Noc Mam/
[13:34] Zinzi Serevi: trassi
[13:34] Bejiita Imako: never tasted that later stuff from asia, doesn't seem to tasty for my taste however
[13:34] Bejiita Imako: but othervise I love asian food
[13:35] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): it is usually texture that repulses me
[13:35] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): not smell
[13:35] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): like sweet breads
[13:35] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): phooey\
[13:35] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): and something innately disgusting besides bad food is offensive body odor
[13:35] herman Bergson: Well....I guess this lecture didn't end up disgusting at all ^_^
[13:35] BALDUR Joubert: beertje.. you from a seaside country..go live in the alps:)
[13:35] herman Bergson: Shall we exchange recipes?
[13:35] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): why should i?
[13:36] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne) laughs
[13:36] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): getting hungry as a matter of fact
[13:36] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): but I tink that is a protective impluse
[13:36] Jerome Ronzales: greetings \o_
[13:36] BALDUR Joubert: seafood could disgust you ...
[13:36] herman Bergson: lol YEs me too...
[13:36] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne) nods
[13:36] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): not at all Baldur
[13:36] herman Bergson: Well...I think we'll wait for the next lecture then...
[13:36] herman Bergson: It will kil your appetite ^_^
[13:37] BALDUR Joubert: smile..cause you didn't grow up there..
[13:37] Bejiita Imako: hmm one thing that is a bit disgusting wen raw but otherwise really tasty is fiish
[13:37] Zinzi Serevi: ol
[13:37] BALDUR Joubert: ok trout is ok for us
[13:37] Bejiita Imako: cause when raw extract some horribly smelling compound
[13:37] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): great then I will fix me a limburgere and sardine sandwich
[13:37] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne): Is it really a matter of culture or a matter of taste or does culture dictate your taste?
[13:37] BALDUR Joubert: put some straberry on your sandwich ari
[13:38] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): Melody, I know that I love my mothers cooking above all else
[13:38] herman Bergson: house
[13:38] Zinzi Serevi: culture dictates your taste
[13:38] herman Bergson: Ok , my friends...
[13:38] BALDUR Joubert: lady..of coure its culture ..in a wider sense
[13:38] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne): I think culture then does dictate your taste to a degree...but then again my whole family may like something that still I find to be disgusting...then it is a matter of my taste
[13:38] Jerome Ronzales: i love tricks
[13:38] herman Bergson: since we have ended up in the cuisine..I think it is time to leave for th ephilosopher..
[13:38] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): :)) Thanks you Professor
[13:38] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): also depends if your taste buds like sweet or savory
[13:39] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): i love savory
[13:39] herman Bergson: thank you all for your participation...it was great..
[13:39] Zinzi Serevi: thanks Herman
[13:39] BALDUR Joubert: lol what is the philosopher cooking:)
[13:39] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): I like most all foods
[13:39] Ciska Riverstone: Thank you Herman
[13:39] herman Bergson: Class dismissed... ^_^
[13:39] Zinzi Serevi: lol
[13:39] Bejiita Imako: interesting once again ㋡
[13:39] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): would rather have another pizza piece and no dessert
[13:39] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne) blushes...."sorry I was late, had to pick up the teenager"
[13:39] Bejiita Imako: nened to get some pan pizza later
[13:39] Aristotle von Doobie (aristotlevon.doobie): yes, substance before desserts Gemma, me too
[13:39] herman Bergson: This was really a fun discussion :-)
[13:39] Bejiita Imako: ㋡
[13:39] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): i'll go and eat a 'haring'
[13:39] Bejiita Imako: haha yes
[13:39] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne): Sounds liek I missed a great class...lol
[13:39] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): yep
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ LOL ♥
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): yum yes
[13:40] BALDUR Joubert: viva italia gemma .. the origing of culture...
[13:40] Bejiita Imako: not a "sour herringt" i hope
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): more a cooking class
[13:40] Ciska Riverstone: enjoy it Beertje ;)
[13:40] Bejiita Imako: loool
[13:40] Melody Jayne (ladyjayne): lol
[13:40] BALDUR Joubert: i love herring beertje:)
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): me too
[13:40] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): a RAW herring Bejiita
[13:40] :: Beertje :: (beertje.beaumont): with unions
[13:40] Bejiita Imako: hehe
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): pickled??
[13:40] Zinzi Serevi: i will go and eat some drop
[13:40] BALDUR Joubert: especially after a longh nicht with many drinks:)
[13:40] herman Bergson: YES..Beertje!
[13:40] Zinzi Serevi: see you all..:)
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): Bye, Bye ㋡
[13:40] Gemma Allen (gemma.cleanslate): zenzi
[13:40] Bejiita Imako: ok cu
[13:40] Ciska Riverstone: Cu Zinzi
[13:40] Bejiita Imako: ㋡
[13:41] Ciska Riverstone: bye everyone :)
[13:41] herman Bergson: Bye Zinzi
[13:41] Doodus Moose: be good Zinzi
[13:41] Doodus Moose: byeeee Ciska
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