Semantics, Surplus Meaning, and the Science of Fear.
When subjective state words are used to describe behaviors, or brain circuits that control them nonconsciously, the behaviors and circuits take on properties of the subjective state. Research on fear illustrates the problems that can result. Subjective state words should be limited to the description of inner experiences, and avoided when referring to circuits underlying nonsubjectively controlled behaviors.
Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA. Electronic address: ledoux@cns.nyu.edu.
Joseph E
JE
LeDoux
D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D012660:Semantics