FEU Public Intellectual Lecture Series | Dr. Rachel Parr

Q: What is neuropsychology and how does it impact moral behavior?

A: Neuropsychology is the study of how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, including moral behavior. It explores the connection between brain functions and decision-making processes related to morality.

Q: How does neuroscience contribute to predicting human behavior in psychology?

A: Neuroscience provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying human behavior, helping psychologists understand and predict how individuals may behave in various situations based on brain activity and structure.

Q: What is the significance of empathy in adolescence and how does it develop?

A: Empathy plays a crucial role in adolescence as it involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It develops through social interactions, cognitive development, and experiences during this period.

Q: What are the biological roots of moral development in individuals?

A: The biological roots of moral development in individuals involve complex interactions between genetics, brain structures, neurotransmitters, and environmental factors that shape one's ability to make moral decisions and judgments.

Q: In what ways can human behavior be compared to animals in terms of brain processes and cognitive neuroscience?

A: Human behavior can be compared to animals by studying brain processes and cognitive neuroscience to understand the evolutionary and adaptive aspects of behavior, emotional responses, decision-making, and social interactions across species.

Q: How does Jonathan Haidt categorize moral values in his theory?

A: Jonathan Haidt categorizes moral values into five major principles known as harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, in-group loyalty, respect for authority, and purity/sanctity to explain how individuals prioritize and make moral judgments.

Q: What is the concept of mutually responsive orientation between parents and children, and how does it influence attachment and imprinting?

A: Mutually responsive orientation refers to the dynamic and sensitive interactions between parents and children that foster secure attachment and positive imprinting, shaping the child's emotional regulation, social skills, and sense of security.

Q: How do children absorb values through socialization and develop a sense of cooperation?

A: Children absorb values through observing and interacting with parents, peers, and the environment, which shapes their moral compass, social norms, empathy, and cooperative behaviors essential for forming relationships and functioning in society.

Q: What role do parents play in shaping a child's conscience and behavior, and how do their actions and guidance influence this process?

A: Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's conscience and behavior by modeling moral values, providing guidance, setting boundaries, and offering support, which helps in developing a child's moral compass, decision-making skills, and social behaviors.

Q: How do values and social justice impact challenges such as sexuality, addictive behaviors, and depression in adolescents?

A: Values and social justice influence adolescents' responses to challenges like sexuality, addiction, and depression by guiding their perception of right and wrong, promoting self-awareness, resilience, and empathy, and fostering a sense of community and support to address these issues.