Good afternoon. I was wondering if Stefan might be interested in taking up the topic of Arthur Koestler's GHOST IN THE MACHINE, as it may relate or dispute the r/K selection theory and the genotype/phenotype distincion, in relation.
In a nutshell: Koestler put forth the thesis of the "triunal brain" (reptilian, mammalian, and neo-cortex), and that the way these evolved together was something like nature "slapping" the neocortex onto the existing structures in such a way as to cause problems in communication and control between the three parts ("flight or flight" response as a result of previous experience, or even inherited experience, "amygdala hijacks", etc.) I'm wondering if this theory may be of more value than an epigenetic explanation, since it explains the problem debating "nature vs. nature" in this competing brain structures, and highlights the problem of conceptual abilty (or lack of, or of a refusal to think, etc) vs. more "primal" involuntary responses (the latter probably resulting from a genetic basis.). Koestler's book is a bit older, and some of the science is in question, by today's standards and findings, but it seems that the triunal brain theory is still accepted, with modifications. Assuming its validity, would this be seen as a competing theory to genetic r/K selection, or complimentary?
Thanks in advance,
Joe