Evolutionary Advantage of Mankind: Harnessing Behavioral Flexibility
The evolutionary advantage of mankind lies in our behavioral flexibility. We have the ability to adapt to complex and unpredictable scenarios in various conditions, learning from our experiences and accumulating knowledge over time. This allows us to quickly find solutions in familiar conditions, but when faced with new situations, we must think more deeply to determine the best course of action.
According to the pioneer of psychology, William James, our freedom of will operates in a two-stage model. We rely on a stock of knowledge, habits, and rules that help us navigate the world. However, in situations that require non-standard solutions, we tap into accident neural connections to generate a range of possible actions. This element of randomness and freedom influences the options that come to our minds, enabling us to make choices based on the potential outcomes.
But what happens when we lack good reasons for choosing? In such cases, specialized brain systems come into play, utilizing the “noise” of neural networks to guide our decision-making. The prefrontal and scurvy bark areas of the brain, which record failures in achieving goals, send signals to the brain stem. One specific region, known as the blue spot or Locus Coeruleus, produces norepinephrine – a chemical that signals the unsuitability of our current model of the world. This increases our vigilance and directs our attention towards uncertainty.
Within the cerebral cortex, patterns of active neurons encode possible actions. Neurons that activate together strengthen connections, creating familiar patterns of thinking. However, these patterns must also be flexible to adapt to changing conditions. Norepinephrine released from the blue spot increases the noise within the neurons, allowing the system to rebuild into new patterns, better suited for the given situation.
By combining our accumulated knowledge with the flexibility of our neural connections, we possess the tools to navigate both familiar and unfamiliar scenarios. This innate ability sets mankind apart and continues to be a crucial aspect of our evolutionary advantage.