Dvě hemisféry – dva světy: O vztahu asymetrie mozku a trendů v současné západní společnosti
Two hemispheres – two worlds: On the relationship between brain asymmetry and trends in contemporary Western society

Author(s): Daniel Krchňák
Subject(s): Metaphysics, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Social development, Social Theory, Social Norms / Social Control
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: Theory of hemispheric asymetry; Iain McGilchrist; two brain hemispheres; cognition; Methodological basis of the analysis of society in terms of brain asymmetry; Western society; Western and Eastern culture; ethics; virtues;
Summary/Abstract: Contemporary Western society is going through myriad dramatic changes and many people view current societal development disapprovingly. Dissatisfaction with the current state of society is widespread in the general public and also many experts point out the worsening state of our environment, increasing inequality, degradation of social capital, and the increase in mental illness. Numerous books have asked how to reverse such an unfavourable development in our society. The monograph Two hemispheres, two worlds looks at this issue through the novel lens of differences in the functioning of brain hemispheres. Research in brain hemisphere differences has made remarkable progress since overcoming the simplistic dichotomy of the rational left hemisphere and the emotional right hemisphere. Two hemispheres, two worlds reviews the most recent findings on brain asymmetry research and identifies as a common trait among all particular differences the right-hemispheric experience-affiliation and the left-hemispheric representation-affiliation. The left-hemispheric take on the world is subsequently identified as having a major influence on the modus operandi of our society and a striking parallel is shown between our current societal ills and the problems of people with a dysfunctional right-hemisphere. Finally, the author sketches specific public policies that could contribute to a more “hemispherically-balanced” society.

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