The Political Brain, For Real

This story puts a whole new spin on the old left brain/right brain arguments. Could it really be that our political identities are formed more by how our brains work, than by tangible facts? Or do our political identities cause our brains to work differently than they would otherwise?

Either way, it's fascinating reading. Check it out:

[Excerpt]

Study finds left-wing brain, right-wing brain

Exploring the neurobiology of politics, scientists have found that liberals tolerate ambiguity and conflict better than conservatives because of how their brains work.In a simple experiment reported today in the journal Nature Neuroscience, scientists at New York University and UCLA show that political orientation is related to differences in how the brain processes information.

Previous psychological studies have found that conservatives tend to be more structured and persistent in their judgments whereas liberals are more open to new experiences. The latest study found those traits are not confined to political situations but also influence everyday decisions. . .

Read more at: LATimes.com

The Political Brain: Is Reason Overrated?

In previous posts, I've spent a lot of time touting Al Gore's The Assault on Reason. I've lamented the lack of reason, intelligent thought, justice and truth in politics and in society. Did I have it all wrong?

I've started reading (cue ominous music) a new book, The Political Brain by Drew Westen. So far it is really fascinating, showing how politics works on an emotional and intellectual level, and also quite a bit about the biology at work.

Along with all of this very interesting stuff is a point, made strongly and repeatedly that goes against what I have believed and promoted. Westen posits that it is precisely reason and logic that has caused the Democratic Party to lose elections over the years. Conversely, it is the Republican Party's appeals to emotion--at the expense of reason--that has won them so many elections.

I'd hate to see the Democrats throw reason on the bonfire, and emulate Karl Rove's nasty methodology. But if I must admit that my position (and Al Gore's) is wrong, would it be too much to ask that appeals to emotion also be reasonable? Is it necessary to be intentionally misleading to win elections? I hope not.

More, after I finish the book. . .