Values, Empathy, and Fairness across Social Barriers

Author:

The aim topics of the conference (values, fairness, and empathy across social frontiers) were first outlined during a pleasant outdoor lunch at Scott Atran’s (professor of University of Michigan) summer cottage on the French Mediterranean coast, where Adolf Tobeña (professor of UAB) and Oscar Vilarroya had travelled in August 2007 to offer Atran the opportunity to lead the first Barcelona Social Brain Conference.

This work, also with the collaboration of Arcadi Navarro (professor UPF), shows that the conjunction of rather disparate research fields is not only possible, but necessary for fine-agrained neurocognitive depictions of the complex abilities sustaining the emergence and maintenance of human virtues (and sins).

Summary:

What makes suicide bombers capable of sacrificing themselves for a belief? Why do members of one race believe they are superior to another? How do subliminal messages affect the outcome of political polling?

This NYAS Annals Volume collects most of the papers presented and discussed at the First Barcelona Social Brain Conference, entitled “Values and Empathy across Social Barriers: A neuroocgnitive Approach to Fairness”, which took place on November 21-2, 2008. The conference was organized under the auspices of the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS), the European Science Foundation, and the Catalan Research Foundation, as well as the Social Chair (Autonomous University of Barcelona).

Publisher: New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) Year of issue: 2009

Living with Psoriasis

Author:

Dr Miquel Ribera Pibernat is a dermatologist and one of this country's most renowned experts in psoriasis. Given his experience and daily contact with patients who suffer from this disease, Dr Ribera's book effectively answers the most frequently asked questions on psoriasis, with special emphasis on aspects related to quality of life, psychological factors and available treatments.

Summary:

The book is addressed to both patients and their families. The simplicity of the language and the book's question and answer structure make it easy to read and an ideal example of medical dissemination. This published work is the definitive book for those interested in discovering more about psoriasis.

Publisher: Panamericana Year of issue: 2008

The Reluctant Mr. Darwin

Author:

David Quammen is an award-winning science, nature and travel writer. His work has appeared in publications such as National Geographic, Outside, Harper's, Rolling Stone, and The New York Times Book Review. For fifteen years he also wrote a column called "Natural Acts" for Outsidemagazine.

Summary:

The Reluctant Mr. Darwin is a book for everyone interested not only in the scientist's theories but also in the man. In addition to describing his secret notebooks on "transmutation" and personal letters, David Quammen draws a vivid portrait of one of the greatest men of science.

Publisher: Antoni Bosch Year of issue: 2008

LA MENTE MORAL (MORAL MIND)

Author: Marc D. Hauser, an evolutionary psychologist and biologist, is Harvard College Professor, Professor of Psychology and Program in Neurosciences,and Director of Primate Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory.

Summary: Humans have developed a universal moral instinct that it impels us,unconsciously, to make judgments on what is good or bad,regardless of our gender or differences in education and religion.Combining his own pioneering research with findings in cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, economics and anthropology, Hauser examines the consequences of his theory for bioethics, religion and daily life.

Publisher: Paidós Year of issue: 2008