Evolutionary materialism (a denial of the soul/spirit) Welch points out that the brain often receives too much credit. "We have a growing sense that the brain is the real cause of behavior. What started as a suggestion that brain chemistry is the ultimate cause of alcohol abuse has expanded to the point where brain chemistry is considered the ultimate cause for literally every human problem" (Welch, 12). In other words, some people think a human is nothing more than a machine that reacts to its environment and social influences. 1. Find a current event by searching online for the following key words:suspect, claims, mental. Describe some examples of this kind of thinking. __

Here are some examples of how the idea that "a human is nothing more than a machine reacting to its environment and social influences" might manifest in current events, along with a hypothetical example based on a fictional news story illustrating the concept:<br /><br />**Hypothetical Example (Illustrative):**<br /><br />* **News Story:** A suspect in a robbery claims a brain tumor caused him to commit the crime. His defense argues that the tumor interfered with his impulse control and judgment, effectively removing his free will in the matter. Experts are called in to testify about the tumor's potential impact on behavior.<br />* **Connection to Evolutionary Materialism:** This scenario reflects the idea that human actions are solely products of physical processes in the brain. The argument removes the concept of personal responsibility, attributing the criminal behavior entirely to a physical abnormality.<br /><br />**Real-World Parallels (General Examples - No Specific Current Event Cited):**<br /><br />* **Addiction Defense:** Similar to the hypothetical example, individuals accused of crimes related to substance abuse sometimes argue that their addiction, a biologically-driven condition, absolves them of responsibility. The argument suggests their brain chemistry compelled their actions.<br />* **Mental Health Pleas:** In some legal cases, defendants argue that mental illnesses like schizophrenia or severe depression directly caused their criminal behavior. This defense rests on the idea that mental states, rooted in brain chemistry, dictate actions.<br />* **Genetic Predisposition Arguments:** Sometimes, defense attorneys point to genetic predispositions towards aggression or impulsivity as mitigating factors in criminal cases. This argument suggests that genes, and therefore biology, predetermined the individual's actions.<br />* **Explaining Social Issues:** Evolutionary materialism can also be seen in broader societal discussions. For example, some might argue that poverty is solely a product of environmental factors and systemic inequalities, neglecting individual choices and agency.<br /><br />**Important Note:** While neuroscience and genetics undoubtedly influence human behavior, the idea that they *completely determine* behavior is a complex philosophical debate. The examples above illustrate how this thinking can appear in discussions of individual responsibility and social issues. It's crucial to remember that these are simplified examples and the actual situations are often far more nuanced. Furthermore, using these arguments in legal contexts raises serious ethical questions about accountability and justice.<br />