Jay Schulkin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691157443
- eISBN:
- 9781400849031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691157443.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter examines the evolution of bird brain, social contact, and birdsong. Communicative capabilities are widespread, whether in song or through other forms of intimate social contact. One ...
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This chapter examines the evolution of bird brain, social contact, and birdsong. Communicative capabilities are widespread, whether in song or through other forms of intimate social contact. One mechanism for this is the regulation of information molecules in the brain such as vasopressin and oxytocin. The chapter first provides an overview of information molecules before connecting these processes to song in frogs, crickets, and birds. It then considers neurogenesis and how information molecules work in the human brain, focusing on some core biology underlying animal song and social contact. It shows that steroid hormones facilitate neuropeptide expression in many species, which underlies song tied to the regulation of the internal milieu, territorial expression, reproduction, and a much wider range of social behaviors.Less
This chapter examines the evolution of bird brain, social contact, and birdsong. Communicative capabilities are widespread, whether in song or through other forms of intimate social contact. One mechanism for this is the regulation of information molecules in the brain such as vasopressin and oxytocin. The chapter first provides an overview of information molecules before connecting these processes to song in frogs, crickets, and birds. It then considers neurogenesis and how information molecules work in the human brain, focusing on some core biology underlying animal song and social contact. It shows that steroid hormones facilitate neuropeptide expression in many species, which underlies song tied to the regulation of the internal milieu, territorial expression, reproduction, and a much wider range of social behaviors.
Jay Schulkin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691157443
- eISBN:
- 9781400849031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691157443.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter examines normal neonatal orientation to sounds as well as developmental disorders that affect musical sensibility, including Williams syndrome, a form of hypersocial expression coupled ...
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This chapter examines normal neonatal orientation to sounds as well as developmental disorders that affect musical sensibility, including Williams syndrome, a form of hypersocial expression coupled with a liking for music. It first explains how a sense of music begins very early in infancy, noting that the discrimination of pitch and other perceptual capabilities are expressed within the first year of life, events believed to be fundamentally linked to social capabilities. It is the social world, gaining a foothold in the life of others, which makes this knowledge essential. Rhythmic engagement also begins in infancy, generating movement. This musical expression is linked to affective needs and diverse forms of social contact. The chapter proceeds by discussing hypersocial and hyposocial behaviors among individuals with Williams syndrome, along with the evolution of social behavior that underlies musical expression. Finally, it considers epigenetic events and lifelong learning changes in relation to music.Less
This chapter examines normal neonatal orientation to sounds as well as developmental disorders that affect musical sensibility, including Williams syndrome, a form of hypersocial expression coupled with a liking for music. It first explains how a sense of music begins very early in infancy, noting that the discrimination of pitch and other perceptual capabilities are expressed within the first year of life, events believed to be fundamentally linked to social capabilities. It is the social world, gaining a foothold in the life of others, which makes this knowledge essential. Rhythmic engagement also begins in infancy, generating movement. This musical expression is linked to affective needs and diverse forms of social contact. The chapter proceeds by discussing hypersocial and hyposocial behaviors among individuals with Williams syndrome, along with the evolution of social behavior that underlies musical expression. Finally, it considers epigenetic events and lifelong learning changes in relation to music.
Jay Schulkin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691157443
- eISBN:
- 9781400849031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691157443.003.0009
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This conclusion considers the effects of music on well-being. Music evolved in the context of social contact and meaning. Music allows us to reach out to others and expand our human experience toward ...
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This conclusion considers the effects of music on well-being. Music evolved in the context of social contact and meaning. Music allows us to reach out to others and expand our human experience toward and with others. This process began with song and was expanded through instruments and dance. Music serves, among other things, to facilitate social cooperative and coordinated behaviors—the induction of “social harmonies.” Musical sensibility is a panoply of emotions that are inextricably linked to our cognitive, motor, and premotor resources and are expressed in everything we do, most especially in music. This conclusion also explains how music and language enhance each other with regard to cephalic function and behavioral adaptation, noting that both are essentially rooted in social contact.Less
This conclusion considers the effects of music on well-being. Music evolved in the context of social contact and meaning. Music allows us to reach out to others and expand our human experience toward and with others. This process began with song and was expanded through instruments and dance. Music serves, among other things, to facilitate social cooperative and coordinated behaviors—the induction of “social harmonies.” Musical sensibility is a panoply of emotions that are inextricably linked to our cognitive, motor, and premotor resources and are expressed in everything we do, most especially in music. This conclusion also explains how music and language enhance each other with regard to cephalic function and behavioral adaptation, noting that both are essentially rooted in social contact.
Jay Schulkin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691157443
- eISBN:
- 9781400849031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691157443.003.0002
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter examines how music fits into the evolution of human cognitive capabilities and how the auditory system, larynx, motor systems, and cephalic expansion underlie musical expression as well ...
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This chapter examines how music fits into the evolution of human cognitive capabilities and how the auditory system, larynx, motor systems, and cephalic expansion underlie musical expression as well as the evolution of social contact. The specific adaptation for decoding facial responses, and the more general aptitudes such as applying numerical capabilities to diverse problems, pervade a biological understanding of cognitive adaptation. Cognitive systems are distributed across neural systems that traverse the brain stem to the forebrain. The chapter first provides an overview of some of the core features of problem solving and human expression before discussing the concepts of time and calculations that are embedded in our cognitive capabilities. It also explores the importance of hearing and vocal expression for music and concludes by suggesting that the roots of music may be in the inherent shared features of our social brain.Less
This chapter examines how music fits into the evolution of human cognitive capabilities and how the auditory system, larynx, motor systems, and cephalic expansion underlie musical expression as well as the evolution of social contact. The specific adaptation for decoding facial responses, and the more general aptitudes such as applying numerical capabilities to diverse problems, pervade a biological understanding of cognitive adaptation. Cognitive systems are distributed across neural systems that traverse the brain stem to the forebrain. The chapter first provides an overview of some of the core features of problem solving and human expression before discussing the concepts of time and calculations that are embedded in our cognitive capabilities. It also explores the importance of hearing and vocal expression for music and concludes by suggesting that the roots of music may be in the inherent shared features of our social brain.
Thorsten Pachur, Lael J. Schooler, and Jeffrey R. Stevens
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780195388435
- eISBN:
- 9780199950089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388435.003.0007
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
Do we move through our social world in lawful ways? And how to describe the regularities that underlie the frequency with which we encounter the different members of our social networks? Based on ...
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Do we move through our social world in lawful ways? And how to describe the regularities that underlie the frequency with which we encounter the different members of our social networks? Based on records of daily social contact, this chapter shows that the probability of contact with another person follows three lawful regularities. Specifically, the probability of future contact is lawfully related to the frequency of past contact, the recency of the last contact and how the past contacts have been distributed over time. The dynamics between the probability of future contact and these aspects of past contact thus seem to follow general regularities that have also been found for word occurrence and document access. Moreover, the distribution of contact probability across the different network members is highly skewed, with frequent contact restricted to only very few individuals. The chapter discusses the possible implications of these regularities for the emergence of cooperation and point out that in an environment in which contact probability to most network members is very low, prominent cooperation heuristics such as tit-for-tat are unlikely to emerge. Moreover, the chapter discusses how memory might assist in assessing the probability of future contact. Specifically, the chapter shows that one plausible mechanism, based on memory activation, will lead to predictable errors in the estimations.Less
Do we move through our social world in lawful ways? And how to describe the regularities that underlie the frequency with which we encounter the different members of our social networks? Based on records of daily social contact, this chapter shows that the probability of contact with another person follows three lawful regularities. Specifically, the probability of future contact is lawfully related to the frequency of past contact, the recency of the last contact and how the past contacts have been distributed over time. The dynamics between the probability of future contact and these aspects of past contact thus seem to follow general regularities that have also been found for word occurrence and document access. Moreover, the distribution of contact probability across the different network members is highly skewed, with frequent contact restricted to only very few individuals. The chapter discusses the possible implications of these regularities for the emergence of cooperation and point out that in an environment in which contact probability to most network members is very low, prominent cooperation heuristics such as tit-for-tat are unlikely to emerge. Moreover, the chapter discusses how memory might assist in assessing the probability of future contact. Specifically, the chapter shows that one plausible mechanism, based on memory activation, will lead to predictable errors in the estimations.
Peter S. Wells
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691143385
- eISBN:
- 9781400844777
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691143385.003.0012
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Historical Archaeology
This chapter discusses the extent to which communities in temperate Europe became increasingly integrated into the larger world of the Mediterranean basin and beyond, and how the process of ...
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This chapter discusses the extent to which communities in temperate Europe became increasingly integrated into the larger world of the Mediterranean basin and beyond, and how the process of integration worked. Major changes in the visual structure and patterning of objects took place in the context of major changes in the relationship between societies in temperate Europe and societies in the Mediterranean basin, in Asia, and in Africa. The changes emerged internally, from within the societies of temperate Europe. They were in no sense “caused by” outside societies, nor by trade relations with outside societies. The changes in the visual character of fifth-century-BC objects resulted principally from the expanded dissemination of ideas, embodied in new objects, styles, motifs, and designs. The changes in the second century BC resulted mainly from the expansion of commerce—of trade in goods.Less
This chapter discusses the extent to which communities in temperate Europe became increasingly integrated into the larger world of the Mediterranean basin and beyond, and how the process of integration worked. Major changes in the visual structure and patterning of objects took place in the context of major changes in the relationship between societies in temperate Europe and societies in the Mediterranean basin, in Asia, and in Africa. The changes emerged internally, from within the societies of temperate Europe. They were in no sense “caused by” outside societies, nor by trade relations with outside societies. The changes in the visual character of fifth-century-BC objects resulted principally from the expanded dissemination of ideas, embodied in new objects, styles, motifs, and designs. The changes in the second century BC resulted mainly from the expansion of commerce—of trade in goods.
Jay Schulkin
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691157443
- eISBN:
- 9781400849031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691157443.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This chapter explores the relationship between music and dance. The human condition is linked to music and dance, and the range of human emotional expression is fundamental in this regard. Susanne ...
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This chapter explores the relationship between music and dance. The human condition is linked to music and dance, and the range of human emotional expression is fundamental in this regard. Susanne Langer, a professor of philosophy at Connecticut College, understood that movement and dance are at the heart of music, and that music is at the heart of movement. The chapter first considers the internal clock and cognitive physiology that regulate our sense of movement before discussing the theme of art embedded in experience, with music and dance as fundamental components of that experience. It then examines how music is expanded and tied to meaning, stories, and living experience. It also describes the concept of musement and concludes by suggesting that music and dance co-evolved in contexts of adaptation, human meaning, and social contact; within this is a mixture of what Leonard Meyer called “an aesthetics of stability.”Less
This chapter explores the relationship between music and dance. The human condition is linked to music and dance, and the range of human emotional expression is fundamental in this regard. Susanne Langer, a professor of philosophy at Connecticut College, understood that movement and dance are at the heart of music, and that music is at the heart of movement. The chapter first considers the internal clock and cognitive physiology that regulate our sense of movement before discussing the theme of art embedded in experience, with music and dance as fundamental components of that experience. It then examines how music is expanded and tied to meaning, stories, and living experience. It also describes the concept of musement and concludes by suggesting that music and dance co-evolved in contexts of adaptation, human meaning, and social contact; within this is a mixture of what Leonard Meyer called “an aesthetics of stability.”
Mikael Rostila
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861347589
- eISBN:
- 9781447302483
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861347589.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Health, Illness, and Medicine
This chapter deals with the mysterious and obscure concept of ‘social capital’. It discusses how this popular, but somewhat mysterious concept has been understood in the research literature. It ...
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This chapter deals with the mysterious and obscure concept of ‘social capital’. It discusses how this popular, but somewhat mysterious concept has been understood in the research literature. It demonstrates how the distribution of the preconditions for social capital, such as informal and formal social contacts, differ between various groups in Sweden and how this, in turn, influences health. It notes that welfare state institutions have been seen as important for the emergence of social capital and for the development of trust and solidarity in society. It also discusses the role of the welfare state in maintaining, creating, or perhaps even destroying the preconditions for social capital in a society.Less
This chapter deals with the mysterious and obscure concept of ‘social capital’. It discusses how this popular, but somewhat mysterious concept has been understood in the research literature. It demonstrates how the distribution of the preconditions for social capital, such as informal and formal social contacts, differ between various groups in Sweden and how this, in turn, influences health. It notes that welfare state institutions have been seen as important for the emergence of social capital and for the development of trust and solidarity in society. It also discusses the role of the welfare state in maintaining, creating, or perhaps even destroying the preconditions for social capital in a society.
Joan R. Gundersen
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195112436
- eISBN:
- 9780199854271
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195112436.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, American History: 19th Century
This chapter explores the crucial period between 1700–75 during which women's social contacts moved from an integrated circle of family, neighbors, servants, slaves, and mistresses to a dual system. ...
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This chapter explores the crucial period between 1700–75 during which women's social contacts moved from an integrated circle of family, neighbors, servants, slaves, and mistresses to a dual system. Many women developed more extended networks shaped by class lines, while continuing to participate in a set of local contacts that transcended class and race. Because the traditional sources of friendship studies—letters and diaries—are a product of the transformation under study, such materials are available only for the latter part of the period. This study has sought glimpses of women's lives as they began to invest female friendships with new meaning. This transformation is generational, and involves both social and economic factors. Most surprisingly, the evidence suggests that the factors historians often consider isolating—illiteracy, childbirth, and housework—could generate social contacts, and continued to do so for women who were not part of the elite.Less
This chapter explores the crucial period between 1700–75 during which women's social contacts moved from an integrated circle of family, neighbors, servants, slaves, and mistresses to a dual system. Many women developed more extended networks shaped by class lines, while continuing to participate in a set of local contacts that transcended class and race. Because the traditional sources of friendship studies—letters and diaries—are a product of the transformation under study, such materials are available only for the latter part of the period. This study has sought glimpses of women's lives as they began to invest female friendships with new meaning. This transformation is generational, and involves both social and economic factors. Most surprisingly, the evidence suggests that the factors historians often consider isolating—illiteracy, childbirth, and housework—could generate social contacts, and continued to do so for women who were not part of the elite.
Dariusz Wójcik
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199592180
- eISBN:
- 9780191729089
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199592180.003.0006
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Finance, Accounting, and Banking
Chapter 6 switches the focus of the book to stock exchanges, providing a detailed empirical account of the geographical nature of their activities. The analysis focuses on the case study of the ...
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Chapter 6 switches the focus of the book to stock exchanges, providing a detailed empirical account of the geographical nature of their activities. The analysis focuses on the case study of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) in Poland, representing one of the most dynamic and successful stock markets in the world in the last decade. The empirical sections investigate the relationships of the WSE with exchange members, issuers, and investors, showing that technology complements rather than substitutes the value of physical proximity, as many stock exchange activities rely on close social contacts. It is argued that the success of the WSE lies in its embeddedness in the Polish economy and long-term developmental perspective. The chapter also suggests that while the international consolidation of exchanges is likely to continue, financial centres and exchanges remain crucially important for each other.Less
Chapter 6 switches the focus of the book to stock exchanges, providing a detailed empirical account of the geographical nature of their activities. The analysis focuses on the case study of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) in Poland, representing one of the most dynamic and successful stock markets in the world in the last decade. The empirical sections investigate the relationships of the WSE with exchange members, issuers, and investors, showing that technology complements rather than substitutes the value of physical proximity, as many stock exchange activities rely on close social contacts. It is argued that the success of the WSE lies in its embeddedness in the Polish economy and long-term developmental perspective. The chapter also suggests that while the international consolidation of exchanges is likely to continue, financial centres and exchanges remain crucially important for each other.
Richard L. Lippke
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199209125
- eISBN:
- 9780191695766
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199209125.003.0009
- Subject:
- Law, Criminal Law and Criminology
This chapter discusses the case for providing prison inmates with access to the outside social world. It argues that the case for state facilitation of prisoner social contact with outsiders is ...
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This chapter discusses the case for providing prison inmates with access to the outside social world. It argues that the case for state facilitation of prisoner social contact with outsiders is strong in its own right, given the obstacles imprisonment puts in the path of such contact and the benefits of providing it. But the case for it is strengthened further by acknowledgment of the legitimate interests outsiders have in maintaining satisfactory relationships with their imprisoned friends and loved ones.Less
This chapter discusses the case for providing prison inmates with access to the outside social world. It argues that the case for state facilitation of prisoner social contact with outsiders is strong in its own right, given the obstacles imprisonment puts in the path of such contact and the benefits of providing it. But the case for it is strengthened further by acknowledgment of the legitimate interests outsiders have in maintaining satisfactory relationships with their imprisoned friends and loved ones.
Lisa Wilson, Eldin Fahmy, and Nick Bailey
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447334224
- eISBN:
- 9781447334309
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447334224.003.0006
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
Townsend argued that poverty is a key barrier to social participation as it limits people’s ability to participate in social activities and to maintain social relationships or networks. The results ...
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Townsend argued that poverty is a key barrier to social participation as it limits people’s ability to participate in social activities and to maintain social relationships or networks. The results in this chapter support this argument finding that poverty acts as a barrier to social contact, particularly with friends; that it constrains participation in a range of social activities, and; that it shapes perceptions of support and satisfaction with relationships. People experiencing social and material deprivation have less social contact than they would like, and attribute this to cost or affordability problems, although other factors such as health or caring responsibilities can play a role too. That said, the importance of contact with family in particular emerges clearly in this analysis. For those groups where there are likely to be additional needs for support as a result of poverty, caring roles or health problems, contact with family tends to be significantly higher - likely reflecting the importance of family as both the central source of financial resources and of practical and emotional support. Households in these groups who lack access to such family networks may face particular disadvantages. All in all, the study finds that people experiencing poverty are often in effect excluded from widely accepted norms of social participation in the UK today.
Less
Townsend argued that poverty is a key barrier to social participation as it limits people’s ability to participate in social activities and to maintain social relationships or networks. The results in this chapter support this argument finding that poverty acts as a barrier to social contact, particularly with friends; that it constrains participation in a range of social activities, and; that it shapes perceptions of support and satisfaction with relationships. People experiencing social and material deprivation have less social contact than they would like, and attribute this to cost or affordability problems, although other factors such as health or caring responsibilities can play a role too. That said, the importance of contact with family in particular emerges clearly in this analysis. For those groups where there are likely to be additional needs for support as a result of poverty, caring roles or health problems, contact with family tends to be significantly higher - likely reflecting the importance of family as both the central source of financial resources and of practical and emotional support. Households in these groups who lack access to such family networks may face particular disadvantages. All in all, the study finds that people experiencing poverty are often in effect excluded from widely accepted norms of social participation in the UK today.
Jeremiah J. Garretson
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781479822133
- eISBN:
- 9781479824236
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9781479822133.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter begins by describing the dramatic increase in direct contact of the American public with LGBTQ people documented using polling data. Trends in depictions of LGBTQ people on television ...
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This chapter begins by describing the dramatic increase in direct contact of the American public with LGBTQ people documented using polling data. Trends in depictions of LGBTQ people on television and film are outlined, which mirror the expansion of direct contact with LGBTQs. These two factors---direct contact and meditated contact---are processed in similar ways psychologically according to affective liberalization. Both are predicted to be more effective at attitude change among younger people. The theory is then empirically tested using four different expansive cross-time public opinion datasets. All four analyses of the data-sets come to same conclusion, contact with LGBTQs (mediated and interpersonal) explains all the distinctive features of attitude change---its large magnitude, its timing, its broadness across specific gay rights issues, and its concentration among the millennial generation.Less
This chapter begins by describing the dramatic increase in direct contact of the American public with LGBTQ people documented using polling data. Trends in depictions of LGBTQ people on television and film are outlined, which mirror the expansion of direct contact with LGBTQs. These two factors---direct contact and meditated contact---are processed in similar ways psychologically according to affective liberalization. Both are predicted to be more effective at attitude change among younger people. The theory is then empirically tested using four different expansive cross-time public opinion datasets. All four analyses of the data-sets come to same conclusion, contact with LGBTQs (mediated and interpersonal) explains all the distinctive features of attitude change---its large magnitude, its timing, its broadness across specific gay rights issues, and its concentration among the millennial generation.
Kitcher Philip
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199899555
- eISBN:
- 9780199980154
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199899555.003.0018
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This chapter begins with an attempt to specify the many forms of psychological altruism, with sufficient precision to enable social theory to move beyond the fiction that human beings belong to the ...
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This chapter begins with an attempt to specify the many forms of psychological altruism, with sufficient precision to enable social theory to move beyond the fiction that human beings belong to the species Homo economicus. It then considers two problems, descending from Smith and Rousseau, respectively. Smith recognized, correctly, that human beings sometimes sympathize with one another, but in the masterpiece for which he is best known, left any such dispositions out of account in his analyses: according to its most famous sentence, “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.” Effectively, Smith separated human life into two spheres, one in which sympathetic dispositions are engaged and one in which they are suppressed. The chapter explores why our altruistic propensities are overridden in the commercial sphere, considers the potential difficulties of this split in our lives, and investigates the possibility of a system of economic transactions among incompletely altruistic agents. The second problem focuses on Rousseau's version of the social contract. It suggests that some apparently puzzling features of what Rousseau has in mind can be better understood if we conceive the parties to the contract as limited altruists who hope to buttress and expand their altruistic tendencies.Less
This chapter begins with an attempt to specify the many forms of psychological altruism, with sufficient precision to enable social theory to move beyond the fiction that human beings belong to the species Homo economicus. It then considers two problems, descending from Smith and Rousseau, respectively. Smith recognized, correctly, that human beings sometimes sympathize with one another, but in the masterpiece for which he is best known, left any such dispositions out of account in his analyses: according to its most famous sentence, “It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.” Effectively, Smith separated human life into two spheres, one in which sympathetic dispositions are engaged and one in which they are suppressed. The chapter explores why our altruistic propensities are overridden in the commercial sphere, considers the potential difficulties of this split in our lives, and investigates the possibility of a system of economic transactions among incompletely altruistic agents. The second problem focuses on Rousseau's version of the social contract. It suggests that some apparently puzzling features of what Rousseau has in mind can be better understood if we conceive the parties to the contract as limited altruists who hope to buttress and expand their altruistic tendencies.
Markus Jäntti and Juhana Vartiainen
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199660704
- eISBN:
- 9780191748943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199660704.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, Economic History
This chapter reviews Finland's growth strategy in the postwar decades. Finland was able to initiate an impressive mobilization of resources during this period, reflected mostly in a high rate of ...
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This chapter reviews Finland's growth strategy in the postwar decades. Finland was able to initiate an impressive mobilization of resources during this period, reflected mostly in a high rate of capital accumulation for manufacturing industries. This was achieved by an unorthodox combination of dirigiste means and a basic commitment to upholding the market economy. The state acted as a net saver, and credit was rationed to productive investment outlays. This policy package may have been boosted by the country's precarious international position during the cold war, so that an economic failure would have been very risky indeed. We argue also that incomes policies and welfare reforms were important in sustaining the necessary political compromise that underpinned the Finnish development state.Less
This chapter reviews Finland's growth strategy in the postwar decades. Finland was able to initiate an impressive mobilization of resources during this period, reflected mostly in a high rate of capital accumulation for manufacturing industries. This was achieved by an unorthodox combination of dirigiste means and a basic commitment to upholding the market economy. The state acted as a net saver, and credit was rationed to productive investment outlays. This policy package may have been boosted by the country's precarious international position during the cold war, so that an economic failure would have been very risky indeed. We argue also that incomes policies and welfare reforms were important in sustaining the necessary political compromise that underpinned the Finnish development state.
Axel Börsch-Supan and Morten Schuth
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780226146096
- eISBN:
- 9780226146126
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226146126.003.0007
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
This paper explores the interrelationships between early retirement, mental health—especially cognition—and the size and composition of social networks among older people. While early retirement ...
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This paper explores the interrelationships between early retirement, mental health—especially cognition—and the size and composition of social networks among older people. While early retirement enables more leisure and relieves stressful job conditions, it also accelerates cognitive decline. We argue in this paper that part of this accelerated cognitive ageing occurs because social networks shrink especially after early retirement. Social contacts are a side effect of employment that keeps workers mentally agile. Social contacts, especially with friends, however, decline gradually after retirement, with an acceleration effect when retirement was early. The paper therefore puts some shade on the popular notion that early retirement is bliss.Less
This paper explores the interrelationships between early retirement, mental health—especially cognition—and the size and composition of social networks among older people. While early retirement enables more leisure and relieves stressful job conditions, it also accelerates cognitive decline. We argue in this paper that part of this accelerated cognitive ageing occurs because social networks shrink especially after early retirement. Social contacts are a side effect of employment that keeps workers mentally agile. Social contacts, especially with friends, however, decline gradually after retirement, with an acceleration effect when retirement was early. The paper therefore puts some shade on the popular notion that early retirement is bliss.
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226389981
- eISBN:
- 9780226390000
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226390000.003.0004
- Subject:
- Anthropology, American and Canadian Cultural Anthropology
This chapter discusses that many Harlemites have social relationships that extend across class lines and concerns class-stratified relationships among family members and friends to examine just how ...
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This chapter discusses that many Harlemites have social relationships that extend across class lines and concerns class-stratified relationships among family members and friends to examine just how class differences can inform and reshape important social contacts, sometimes ending friendships and straining familial ties, other times providing alternative spaces for mutually beneficial relationships to thrive despite class differences. If friendships are difficult to hold onto amid class differences, familial ties can be just as hard. Some people live fairly close to relatives of different classes or status positions and purposefully avoid them. Maybe the person who has achieved a bit of socioeconomic success does not want to feel the guilt of that success juxtaposed against other people's failure. Class-stratified interactions do not necessarily have to be substantive to be important and formative. Sometimes a fleeting moment or a brief encounter with a stranger or a series of short interactions with acquaintances can have tremendous significance in terms of how people think about class. Role models may be important, but that is not the only way class differences affect people's lives.Less
This chapter discusses that many Harlemites have social relationships that extend across class lines and concerns class-stratified relationships among family members and friends to examine just how class differences can inform and reshape important social contacts, sometimes ending friendships and straining familial ties, other times providing alternative spaces for mutually beneficial relationships to thrive despite class differences. If friendships are difficult to hold onto amid class differences, familial ties can be just as hard. Some people live fairly close to relatives of different classes or status positions and purposefully avoid them. Maybe the person who has achieved a bit of socioeconomic success does not want to feel the guilt of that success juxtaposed against other people's failure. Class-stratified interactions do not necessarily have to be substantive to be important and formative. Sometimes a fleeting moment or a brief encounter with a stranger or a series of short interactions with acquaintances can have tremendous significance in terms of how people think about class. Role models may be important, but that is not the only way class differences affect people's lives.
Steven M. Cahn and Christine Vitrano
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231172400
- eISBN:
- 9780231539364
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231172400.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter examines the empirical connection between a person's moral character and happiness. More specifically, it considers whether maximizing happiness could result not from being moral but ...
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This chapter examines the empirical connection between a person's moral character and happiness. More specifically, it considers whether maximizing happiness could result not from being moral but appearing to be moral. Because most of us desire to develop and sustain relationships with others who will be more likely to react positively to us if we are kind and trustworthy, being moral enhances our potential for happiness. Alternatively, a person's nastiness and treachery will win few friends. We are not denying the possibility of a happy tyrant, a happy hermit, or a happy immoralist; to be happy, however, most of us rely on the good will of others. Psychologists studying happiness have found a positive correlation between people's social contacts (including family and friends) and the level of satisfaction with life. This chapter looks at four cases: a moral person who appears to be moral; an immoral person who appears to be moral; a moral person who appears to be immoral; and an immoral person who appears to be immoral.Less
This chapter examines the empirical connection between a person's moral character and happiness. More specifically, it considers whether maximizing happiness could result not from being moral but appearing to be moral. Because most of us desire to develop and sustain relationships with others who will be more likely to react positively to us if we are kind and trustworthy, being moral enhances our potential for happiness. Alternatively, a person's nastiness and treachery will win few friends. We are not denying the possibility of a happy tyrant, a happy hermit, or a happy immoralist; to be happy, however, most of us rely on the good will of others. Psychologists studying happiness have found a positive correlation between people's social contacts (including family and friends) and the level of satisfaction with life. This chapter looks at four cases: a moral person who appears to be moral; an immoral person who appears to be moral; a moral person who appears to be immoral; and an immoral person who appears to be immoral.
Jody Enders
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226207834
- eISBN:
- 9780226207858
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226207858.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, Early and Medieval Literature
This chapter examines the issues of social contact in the theater or theatrical contact. It analyzes the six discrete cases that make up the experience of theater, including achieved intentions, ...
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This chapter examines the issues of social contact in the theater or theatrical contact. It analyzes the six discrete cases that make up the experience of theater, including achieved intentions, actual intentions and reception of intentions. This chapter discusses Erving Goffman's signature definition of social involvement and argues that there is nothing unhealthily juridical about the mutual consideration that defines the theater. It also suggests that the theatrical experience allows the spectators to make moral, ethical, legal and artistic sense of a dramatic performance.Less
This chapter examines the issues of social contact in the theater or theatrical contact. It analyzes the six discrete cases that make up the experience of theater, including achieved intentions, actual intentions and reception of intentions. This chapter discusses Erving Goffman's signature definition of social involvement and argues that there is nothing unhealthily juridical about the mutual consideration that defines the theater. It also suggests that the theatrical experience allows the spectators to make moral, ethical, legal and artistic sense of a dramatic performance.
