Single Idea 4907

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 3. Pleasure / d. Sources of pleasure]

Full Idea

Noradrenaline is an excitatory chemical that induces physical and mental arousal and heightens mood. Production is centred in an area of the brain called the locus coeruleus, which is one of several candidates for the brain's 'pleasure' centre.

Gist of Idea

The 'locus coeruleus' is one of several candidates for the brain's 'pleasure centre'

Source

Rita Carter (Mapping the Mind [1998], p. 30)

Book Reference

Carter,Rita: 'Mapping the Mind' [Phoenix 2000], p.30


A Reaction

It seems to me very morally desirable that people understand facts of this kind, so that they can be more objective about pleasure. Pleasure is one cog in the machine that makes a person, not the essence of human life.