The Better Angels of Our Nature
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Which theory proposes that government pacifies quarrels between subjects to preserve its own interests?

  • The Humanitarian Revolution
  • The Cultural Shift Theory
  • The Pacification Process (correct)
  • The Civilizing Process

    • What is a primary result of urbanization according to the Civilizing Process?

  • Decreased opportunity for commerce
  • Discouragement of violence through close living conditions (correct)
  • Increased violence due to lawlessness
  • Complete elimination of governmental authority

    • The decline of violence in recent history can be attributed to which of the following?

  • A return to tribal societies
  • Global urbanization and commerce (correct)
  • An increase in warfare
  • Stronger military interventions

    • Which term describes the shift from viewing torture as a public spectacle to developing empathy for human life?

    <p>The Humanitarian Revolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Pinker argue about the attitudes toward violence in past societies?

    <p>They largely embraced torture as entertainment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical context showcases a region where violent norms persisted due to limited urbanization?

    <p>The American South</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon is described as a transition that took place in the 18th and 19th centuries involving reductions in things like torture and slavery?

    <p>The Humanitarian Revolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Pinker, what has been the effect of a complex society on violence?

    <p>It leads to fewer deaths due to violent conflicts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the most powerful examples of the increasing nonviolence in the world?

    <p>Concern for animal welfare</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do people typically perceive their own actions compared to others' actions towards them?

    <p>As accidental and minimally hurtful</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which motivation for violence is characterized by the absence of inhibiting factors?

    <p>Predatory violence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do open and democratic societies play in relation to violence and ideology?

    <p>They serve to prevent negative or violent ideologies from taking hold.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered one of Pinker's 'inner demons' that drive violence?

    <p>Empathy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional motivation is said to foster the development of sadistic tendencies over time?

    <p>Engagement in violence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What provocative claim does Pinker make about the world's perception of morality?

    <p>Morality can sometimes encourage violent responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes acts of violence that stem from a desire for self-help justice in an absence of authority?

    <p>Dominance violence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the right hemisphere of the brain primarily facilitate according to the discussed perspectives?

    <p>Exploration of multiple possible solutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the left hemisphere contribute to decision-making compared to the right hemisphere?

    <p>It adheres to established knowledge and preferred solutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon is triggered in the right hemisphere by new stimuli?

    <p>Release of noradrenaline</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ideologies are implied by the functions of both brain hemispheres?

    <p>The left hemisphere excels at analytical and complex task integration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Freud believe about the brain's influence on experience?

    <p>It shapes our entire experience of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does constraint-induced movement therapy aim to accomplish for stroke patients?

    <p>To prevent the patient from using their good hand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the principles underlying Taub’s therapy regimens?

    <p>Training should target all areas of motor control equally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Doidge suggest improving education and abilities in children with disabilities?

    <p>By providing individualized plans targeting their weak areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of autism is suggested to relate to hypersensitivity in children?

    <p>Overactive neural networks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which program is indicated to have helped with both language and autistic symptoms?

    <p>Fast ForWord programme.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do novels play in the development of empathy among individuals?

    <p>They push people into empathy by allowing them to connect with others' experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Pinker suggest is a primary factor in the reduction of violence in recent history?

    <p>Intellectual reasoning leading to moral discoveries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the 'Long Peace' concept presented by Pinker?

    <p>The absence of significant international wars since WWII.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Pinker, why is terrorism considered a special case in discussions of violence?

    <p>The public often greatly overestimates the danger it poses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is identified as a significant reason for the reduction of civil wars and genocides?

    <p>The spread of democracy and its impact on governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the Rights Revolutions contributed to a decrease in violence against marginalized groups?

    <p>The inclusion of minority viewpoints in public discourse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of government is most likely to experience civil wars, according to Pinker?

    <p>Anocracies with dysfunctional governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What shift in perspective is highlighted as contributing to the overall decline in interpersonal violence?

    <p>An increase in humanitarian reasoning and moral arguments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Romanticism is reflected in the landscape paintings of artists like Claude Lorrain?

    <p>An expression of human perspectives on the world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does modern art exemplify issues associated with left hemisphere functions?

    <p>It often loses connection with linguistic meaning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Theory of Mind concept refer to in early socialization?

    <p>Understanding that others can have different emotions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What evidence supports early emotional communication in infants?

    <p>Infants respond to adult emotional expressions at an early age</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What general concern is raised in the text regarding modern views on language?

    <p>They focus too heavily on the formal structure of language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What developmental milestone is debated concerning infants and emotional awareness?

    <p>If newborns can discern emotional reactions clearly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one implication of observed emotional responses in infants?

    <p>It may help in early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mental health issue has been associated with left hemisphere deficits according to the content?

    <p>A rise in schizophrenia diagnoses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which brain area is known for its association with pain appreciation in both oneself and others?

    <p>Right anterior cingulate cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Empathic attention is unaffected in individuals with autism.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of mirror neurons in empathizing with others?

    <p>They help us understand another's intentions and assist in imitating actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The right hemisphere of the brain helps interpret ______, increasing emotional attunement.

    <p>faces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their related features:

    <p>Theory of Mind = Understanding others' emotions and beliefs Prosopagnosia = Inability to recognize faces Right hemisphere lesions = Impairments in empathy Mirror neurons = Facilitating imitation and understanding intentions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age is Theory of Mind typically acquired?

    <p>4 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the process through which urbanized societies discourage violence?

    <p>The Civilizing Process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Humanitarian Revolution refers to the increasing acceptance of torture as a public entertainment.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The development of empathic skills depends primarily on language acquisition.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one major change regarding attitudes towards violence that has occurred over time?

    <p>People are now repulsed by acts such as rape and enslavement that were once accepted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the right hemisphere support empathic ability in infants?

    <p>It is attuned to emotionally expressive facial signals from caregivers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Thomas Hobbes, a government pacifies quarrels between its subjects to preserve its own _____ .

    <p>interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Pacification Process = Government intervention in disputes Civilizing Process = Impact of urbanization on behavior Humanitarian Revolution = Shift toward valuing human life Cultural Attitudes = Changing perceptions of accepted violence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region has historically exhibited a higher level of violence due to cultural factors?

    <p>The American South</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Urban societies tend to have more incentives for individuals to engage in violence.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant decline occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries regarding human rights?

    <p>Declines in torture, human sacrifice, and slavery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the main focus of Romanticism in the 19th century?

    <p>Celebrating human emotion and nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Modern art effectively captures linguistic meaning.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Theory of Mind?

    <p>The understanding that others have separate mental states and see the world differently.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Early emotional communication in infants may be crucial for early diagnosis of __________.

    <p>autism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following artistic movements with their characteristics:

    <p>Romanticism = Focus on emotion and nature Modern Art = Alienation from linguistic meaning Postmodernism = Formal structure of language Pointillism = Fragmentation in visual perception</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of landscape paintings from the Romantic period?

    <p>Depiction of human perspectives in depth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Newborn infants can clearly see emotional expressions from a distance.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mental health issue has seen an increase that suggests severe right hemisphere deficits?

    <p>schizophrenia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is neuroplasticity?

    <p>The brain's ability to grow and reorganize itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Myelination contributes to less efficient electrical signal transmission in the brain.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens during the critical period in infancy?

    <p>The brain develops connections at a rapid rate and absorbs immense amounts of information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ___ refers to the change in neural circuits due to environmental factors, which can affect autism.

    <p>Neuroplasticity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does myelin play in the brain?

    <p>It insulates neural pathways for efficient signal transmission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following researchers or theories with their contributions:

    <p>Norman Doidge = The Brain That Changes Itself Hubel and Wiesel = Studies of critical periods in vision Merzenich = Genetic predisposition and environmental factors affecting autism Myelination = Insulation of neuron pathways for efficient signaling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Once the critical period is passed, the brain remains unchanged for life.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can symptoms of autism be potentially reduced during the critical period?

    <p>Through interventions and environmental adjustments that support neural circuit development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary feature of the 'asocial stage' of attachment development?

    <p>Infants produce similar responses to all objects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Indiscriminate attachments refer to infants showing anxiety towards strangers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what age do infants typically show signs of specific attachments?

    <p>7 months</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Genie's recovery was hindered by an unsettled time with a variety of ______ who abused her further.

    <p>carers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following stages of attachment with their characteristics:

    <p>Asocial stage = Infants respond similarly to all objects Indiscriminate attachments = Preference for human company, easily comforted by anyone Specific attachments = Show protest when a specific person puts them down Multiple attachments = Development of attachments beyond the main caregiver</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant concern arises if a child has not formed attachments by 1 year old?

    <p>They may be showing signs of autism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The theory of attachment development suggests a fixed timeline for all infants.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional feature was notably absent in Genie's behavior due to her isolation?

    <p>Disinterest in other people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    From the age of 2 to 7 months, infants show ______ attachments by distinguishing between familiar and unfamiliar people.

    <p>indiscriminate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the evidence suggest about Genie in relation to autism?

    <p>Her abusive upbringing caused her autistic-like behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary function of BDNF?

    <p>It promotes myelin growth to speed transmission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    BDNF is released only during moments of high stress.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What connection does Merzenich propose between BDNF and autism?

    <p>He believes that premature release of BDNF can lead to undifferentiated brain maps, resulting in pervasive developmental disorders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    BDNF closes the __________ after all connections are made.

    <p>critical period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of exercises does the Fast ForWord Program utilize?

    <p>Brain exercises related to language functions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms related to BDNF and neuroplasticity with their correct descriptions:

    <p>BDNF = Growth factor that consolidates neuron connections Critical Period = Timeframe during which neural connections are established Fast ForWord = Program to aid language-impaired children Neuroplasticity = Ability of the brain to reorganize itself</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Fast ForWord Program offers incentives to encourage engagement in learning activities.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What part of the brain do individuals with speaking, reading, and writing issues often need to strengthen?

    <p>premotor cortex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Steven Pinker: The Better Angels of Our Nature

    • Violence in the world has decreased over time, contrary to popular belief
    • Attitudes toward violence have changed; acts like rape and enslavement are now considered unacceptable
    • The pacification process involves government intervention to resolve disputes, reducing violence between citizens
    • The civilizing process, fostered by urbanization and commerce, discourages violence due to greater social interaction and exchange

    The Civilizing Process

    • Societies with high levels of interaction tend to develop norms that discourage violence
    • Merchants benefit from peaceful relations with clients
    • Stable governments deter violence with law enforcement and the ability to offer incentives
    • Urbanization allows for easier imposition and enforcement of laws

    Humanitarian Revolution

    • Torture, human sacrifice, religious persecution, and slavery have declined globally - especially in the 18th and 19th centuries
    • Enlightenment Humanism, emphasizing reason and empathy, contributed to this shift
    • Novels and literature likely played a role in this shift toward empathy
    • Education directly impacts levels of empathy

    The Long Peace

    • The world has experienced an extended period of peace since WWII
    • Conventional wisdom suggests that wars are cyclical, but Pinker disputes this; he argues that events are unpredictable and wars are not related to smaller conflicts
    • Nuclear weapons act as a deterrent, and the spread of democracy contributes to peace

    The New Peace

    • Other types of war (like civil or colonial wars) have also decreased, possibly due to the spread of democracy

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    Book Summary: Better Angels of Our Nature (PDF)

    Description

    Explore Steven Pinker's arguments on how violence has decreased over time and the evolving attitudes toward it. The quiz covers concepts like the pacification process, the civilizing process, and the humanitarian revolution. Learn about how urbanization and stable governments contribute to this positive change in society.

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