再帰性の起源としてのミラーニューロン

——ギデンズ社会理論の生物学的根拠——

抄録

The purpose of this paper is to connect the studies of the mirror neuron system to the concept of reflexivity put forward by Anthony Giddens. The human mirror neuron system has been regarded as significant for learning, empathy and reflective self-awareness. In Giddens's theory, although many arguments have been made on the characteristics of reflexivity in post-traditional society, little attention is given to the origin of reflexivity. This article will consider the mirror neuron as the origin and offer biological evidence of reflexivity. This paper also deals with the controversy surrounding sociobiology and the current state of behavioral economics and evolutionary politics. The “blank slate” and “homo economicus” that social scientists have assumed are challenged by evolutionary psychology, behavioral genetics, primatology and brain research. The link between mirror neuron and reflexivity will bring a new insight to these trends.