Ep130 "What do brains tell us about politics?" Part 1: Polarization

In this episode of Inner Cosmos, David Eagleman explores the neuroscience of political polarization, discussing how the brain's mechanisms, such as dehumanization and in-group/out-group biases, contribute to societal division. He examines historical examples of polarization, from the Civil War to the 1960s, and explains how propaganda and tribalism exploit the brain's vulnerabilities, diminishing empathy for those outside one's group. Eagleman references studies involving brain imaging (fMRI) to illustrate how the medial prefrontal cortex and other brain regions react differently to in-group versus out-group members, and how beliefs become intertwined with identity, triggering threat responses when challenged. He argues that education is crucial to recognizing and resisting these manipulative tactics, fostering an "immune response" against hate and division, and sets the stage for the next episode, which will focus on strategies for overcoming polarization.