Anthropological universals and cultural specifics: Conceptual and methodological challenges in cultural neuroscience

摘要

Scientific results often lead to applications which have not been anticipated by researchers who have done the basic research, and which often have ethical implications if we think for instance of genetics or atomic physics. But does this imply not to do the research if the consequences can be negative? Shall one refrain from the acquisition of knowledge just because the potential outcome could be misapplied or even dangerous in a specific cultural setting? That would be the end of science as it is generally understood. However, sometimes such opinions are indeed expressed in the general public like some decades ago with respect to research in human ethology (Lorenz, 1943; Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1997), since results in this field may indicate some innate human tendency for aggressive behavior and, thus, one may find excuses or even a scientific reason for making war. Nowadays, equivalent opinions may be expressed in the field of neuroeconomics; does knowledge of brain functions allow perhaps the manipulation of human needs and the control of buying behavior of consumers (Ariely and Berns, 2010)? Similarly, does an understanding of neural processes lead to statements about art like poetry, music or paintings which might destroy the enigma of esthetic appreciations (Zeki, 1999)?