"Before Damasio came onto the scene, most cognitive scientists assumed that emotions only interfered with rational thought. It was assumed that a person without any emotions would be a better thinker, since their “cortical computer” could process information without the hindrance of emotion. Damasio’s research challenged the assumption by showing that people who have suffered brain injuries which prevent them from perceiving their own feelings, are ineffective decision-makers. Most would spend hours deliberating over irrelevant details, such as where to eat lunch. Damasio’s research, among many other studies, is revealing that emotion is what enables us to make up our minds. It is pure reason- not feeling- that is the true hindrance to decision making. So take that, Mr. Spock!

I entirely agree with the article's sentiment. One then has to question where does this put the designers of artificial intelligence? A highly optimistic enterprise in my view.

Some of the more bizarre popular science magazines behave as if this view were not already fairly mainstream. They appeal to the religious-superstitious utopianism of a supernatural idealism above the mere messiness of reality. In doing so, by biologising humanity, they are dangerously reactionary myths that serve to depoliticise human activity and divert attention from the autonomous enterprise of shaping history by positing a cartesian Supermind (elsewhere, in slightly older guise, known as 'God').

I look to you Einbar . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wPeCaBbxk

NightInhales for you: http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/DF2AB5E6-1D9A-4CF0-8487-C338294CF15D/