The New Science of Temptation

What happens when Harvard scientists use a brain scanner to look for the devil inside?

The power to resist temptation has been extolled by philosophers, psychologists, teachers, coaches, and mothers. Anyone with advice on how you should live your life has surely spoken to you of its benefits. It is the path to the good life, professional and personal satisfaction, social adjustment and success, performance under pressure, and the best way for any child to avoid a penetrating stare and a cold dinner. Of course, this assumes that our natural ... Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
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Subjects: Sci/Tech, Health
Topics: Psychology
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# Diggs: 305 (as of 2009-11-09)
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - Nov 3, 2009 - 9:08 PM PST
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - Nov 9, 2009 - 6:45 AM PST
Sirajul Islam
3.9
by Sirajul Islam - Nov. 10, 2009

It's a research work, and we're eager to look forward to know waht 'tempts' us. I've some exposure of Sigmund Frued's insights why we like to be 'bad' but come out as 'good' later because we live in 'society.' Anyway I like the piece, good reporting.

See Full Review » (19 answers)
Fabrice Florin
3.6
by Fabrice Florin - Nov. 10, 2009

Informative article about a recent brain imaging study from Harvard University, on why people behave honestly when confronted with the opportunity to anonymously cheat for personal gain. This factual report cites study results suggesting that people who do not have the urge to cheat can achieve a state of 'moral grace' that is devoid of selfish temptation. I would have liked to hear more context and independent perspectives on this topic, rather than the results of a single study.

See Full Review » (11 answers)
Richard Riehl
3.4
by Richard Riehl - Nov. 9, 2009

An interesting, yet not a very enlightening, report about temptation as revealed in one study. Would have been strengthened with references to specific findings of other researchers, rather than simply citing "past research."

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Kristin Gorski
3.1
by Kristin Gorski - Nov. 10, 2009

The article is factual and fair but looks at the results of only one study, and it does not provide enough context for readers to see what this would mean to them. Also, what was the study size, duration, methodology?This information wasn't included, and I need to know more about how the study was conducted in order to judge how reliable it is.

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Manfred Ostrowski
4.2
by Manfred Ostrowski - Nov. 10, 2009

Piercarlo Valdesolo offers us a readable and convincing account of recent insights into human disposition regarding selfish temptation. He hints at the social advantages of resisting temptation or bluntly selfish behaviour.

I would even go a step further and attribute to humankind the capability to display truly altruistic behaviour without hope of personal benefit to come in the short just as in the long term.

The authors suggest that these findings demonstrate the human capacity to .. achieve a state of “moral grace” – a state devoid of selfish temptation. More »

See Full Review » (8 answers)

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