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In The Moral Mind, I was intrigued by subject matter and various examples explaining how psychopath’s brains work to the common solider in war time. Author Henry Haslam reveals the truth of war and unbelievable military tactics. During combat, “the crime of murder is turned into an act of heroism” (179). I was immensely shocked to discover that even with encouragement and motivation to be viewed as a national hero, soldiers resist due to compelling inner instincts, obligating one to feel a moral impulse. The fear of killing overrides the fear of being killed. Army General Marshall found that during World War II, less than twenty percent actually shot at the enemy! Emotions hindered their will to act. This was surprising to me. The US Armies response was, although completely atrocious, not surprising. Changing their training regimens by rehearsing the kill to shoot reflexively desensitized the soldiers. Bombing and long-range firing detached the solder from direct contact to an enemy, so the personal feel of killing someone was removed. This links directly to studies done by neurologist Joshua Greene comparing personal moral situations with impersonal moral situations. The difference is discretely built into the brain. Certain areas are activated depending on the situation, and the idea of “me hurts you” (178) is simple and innate to our moral decisions.
This article provided many different examples and studies which connected the pieces of how the brain works. Primates are able to understand morality. Mirror neurons also explain empathy. Our emotional brains are able to, in a sense; imitate another’s just by seeing their actions, expressions, and/or movements.
I have only had the chance to tutor at Canal Alliance once, but based on the idea of helping, I can readily see why it comes easy to me to explain how to do something like a homework assignment. My brain, emotions, and ability to experience empathy allow me to feel a student’s frustration or misunderstanding as if it were my own. Through this sensitivity, I react with different ways to explain. Knowing this information with hopefully help me feel even more engaged with those I help because for me, empathy is real and scientific. I can actually sense others emotions and thoughts and use it to connect us more.