Immediate vs long term consequences of actions

[Hans de Vries]

Does the brain predict immediate and long term consequences of actions differently?

 

What abnormalities in the brain can compromose one's ability to predict consequences of actions?

Edited June 21, 2021 by Hans de Vries

[Sensei]

17 minutes ago, Hans de Vries said:

Does the brain predict immediate and long term consequences of actions differently?

Some actions, or lack of them, might cause immediate death, so there must be taken immediate action to save life. In such situation brain orders production of hormones e.g. adrenaline:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenaline

33 minutes ago, Hans de Vries said:

What abnormalities in the brain can compromose one's ability to predict consequences of actions?

e.g. working memory, short-term memory disorders.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_memory#Aging

In this article you have catalog of disorders:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_disorder

 

[iNow]

1 hour ago, Hans de Vries said:

Does the brain predict immediate and long term consequences of actions differently?

The forecasting capabilities we possess tend to be LESS about whether the consequence is LT versus ST and is instead MORE about our past experiences and how those map against the current situation. 

Placing ones hand into a hot fire will have long-term consequences of burnt skin, scar tissue, and possible loss of function. Placing ones hand on a hot mug of tea may have short-term consequences of pain and even minor burning. Neither of these matter to the toddler who is doing either for the very first time. The LT and ST nature of the consequences can only be considered in context of past experience and learning. 

 

1 hour ago, Hans de Vries said:

What abnormalities in the brain can compromose one's ability to predict consequences of actions?

Memory issues, for one... given what I've shared above. 

[Hans de Vries]

Is that the case?

 

My cousin's son has some kind of mental disturbances (probably conduct disorder) and has shown remarkable carelessness and dangerous behavior since early childhood. My aunt (probably some combination of borderline + ADHD + bipolar) has also shown extremely careless behavior including excessive money spending, loan taking etc etc

 

There has to be some kind of structural abnormalities that causes this kind of stuf

[iNow]

Not necessarily. Risk taking behavior is often beneficial. If one is starving, taking a risk to get food may be the difference between life and death. If one has an infant being approached by a bear, taking a risk may save the life of the child and consequently the chain of those genes. 

The abnormality here may actually be your desire to impose your personal opinion about what is a "valid" risk versus what is an "invalid" risk on to others, and to next claim that anyone not following your personal preferences has some sort of problem in their brain.

[Sensei]

15 minutes ago, Hans de Vries said:

My aunt (probably some combination of borderline + ADHD + bipolar) has also shown extremely careless behavior including excessive money spending, loan taking etc etc

A person with bipolar disorder during mania phase can spend the all their money (and borrow more, if they can).. on completely senseless things.. Buy 15th unit of the same thing which person already has? No problem!

Drug abuse and extensive money spending are two the most common and visible symptoms of bipolar disorder among affected people.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bipolar+disorder+spending+money

"Spending sprees may be a part of manic episodes for many people with bipolar disorder. Manic episodes of compulsive spending are a problem for many people who have bipolar disorder. During these episodes, people feel richer than they really are, more powerful, and willing to take more risks."

 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-01/money-budgeting-bipolar-disorder-mental-health/12495852?nw=0

"Kim Cochrane didn't think twice about giving away a car, an antique grand piano and lending thousands of dollars to friends.

While she knows she can't really afford it, it's a symptom of a mental health condition she's lived with for more than 25 years.

If you live with bipolar disorder or are close to someone who does, it can be very difficult to manage your finances."

Edited June 21, 2021 by Sensei

[dimreepr]

3 hours ago, Hans de Vries said:

Does the brain predict immediate and long term consequences of actions differently?

Depends on the teacher... 😉

If I teach you to fear a cold beyond all other morbidities', you'd be happy to spend your time in a lion's den, if they didn't kill you on day 1 (because they weren't hungry)...