Science can not FULLY explain moods and feelings... (evolution)

[Scuba Pete]

please prove me wrong! (I double dog dare you!)

[½ Sane]

Originally Posted by NetDoc

please prove me wrong! (I double dog dare you!)

I predict by tomorrow at 8pm EST this thread will have 31 replies explaining it all.

[Sunstone]

In a word, NetDoc: Neuroscience. The field of neuroscience is relatively a new one, but what's been happening in it is revolutionary. One of its discoveries is that moods and emotions are caused by neurochemicals, neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, PEA, and so forth. "The Molecules of Emotion" is a good book to begin with.

Personally, I have a gripe with neuroscience. They name our neurotransmitters such unpoetic names as Oxytocin. What kind of name is that for a substance that causes those warm and fuzzy feelings we have when thinking of a loved one? It's an outrage that poets are not involved in the naming of such important substances as our neurochemicals!

[Scuba Pete]

Actually,

They only quantify how our bodies synthesize the chemicals... not how the trigger mechanism actually causes our body to do that. They got the "how", but not the "why".

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by NetDoc

Actually,

They only quantify how our bodies synthesize the chemicals... not how the trigger mechanism actually causes our body to do that. They got the "how", but not the "why".

That's true, NetDoc. For instance: We know as a scientific fact that Spinkles and Ceridwen's bodies release a lot of the neurotransmitter PEA whenever the two see each other. PEA makes them elated and even giggly. But that doesn't explain why Spinkles and Ceridwen's bodies release PEA when they see each other, and not release it when they see -- say -- George Bush.

To understand why certain people "turn us on" and not others is still something of a mystery, isn't it?

[Scuba Pete]

and not release it when they see -- say -- George Bush.

Well since they voted for him, we aren't so sure about that statement!

[Druidus]

Genetic predisposition to like certain features would cause that. Coded in our genes, whether we like skinny or plump, round or blocky, muscular or non-muscular, tall or short, male or female, etc.

[Sunstone]

Do you believe that science has the potential to explain all aspects of attraction, Druidus?

[Jaiket]

Originally Posted by NetDoc

please prove me wrong! (I double dog dare you!)

I cannot, and I doubt anyone can. Science can fully explain few things when you get right down to it.

In saying that, biochemistry is relatively young and still significantly advanced.