http://vox-nova.com/2010/01/26/a-note-on-narrative-identity/ Catholic perspectives on culture, society, and politics Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:19:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://vox-nova.com/2010/01/26/a-note-on-narrative-identity/#comment-70191 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:57:53 +0000 http://vox-nova.com/?p=11626#comment-70191 Another reason it is important to exchange narratives is because of the importance for us to scrutinize the narratives we tell or hold to concerning others. The “alternative eyes” to which you refer may be alternative to the narrative we impose on others to sustain or justify our beliefs about them.

]]> http://vox-nova.com/2010/01/26/a-note-on-narrative-identity/#comment-70141 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:57:02 +0000 http://vox-nova.com/?p=11626#comment-70141 Kyle, You quoted the term “mirror-images” and this is the key to understanding identity formation and expectations. An article in Scientific American Mind in the April/May 2006 issue discussed new research into the function of “mirror neurons” which were initially discovered in primates around 1994. This discovery is now being equated to the discovery of quantum physics in the sense of how it may change our understanding of human interactions and the formation of systems.
All aspects of human relationships are recorded and imitated by these specialized cells. Even if we do not perform the actions ourselves the premotor cortex and inferior parietal areas would activate in response to the observed action and would alos anticipate intention for future behavior expected for the particular event.
They alos discovered mirror neurons in the posterior paiietal lobe, the wuperior temporal sulcus and the insula all of which play significant roles in comprehending feelings, intent and language. These areas of the instinctive brain are fully formed in the womb and as a consequence they will wire the brain for the chemical response to the mother’s experience in her environment.
Belief systems about self and others are then formed to resonate with the chemistry of these experiences. There is also a protein that insures the hardwiring and learning of this material. This protein then begins to greatly decrease beginning in our early 20′s and then appears to stop production by the mid 20′s. This is why it so difficult to change emotional learning and consequently, change our beliefs about self and others.
This is critical to understand when approaching anyone of seemingly opposing beliefs and also in being aware of the rigidity of our own belief system.

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