They say that the brain releases dopamine when X happens, or releases oxytocin when X happens, etc. How do we know that’s happening inside somebody’s head without cracking their skull open?
In: Biology
Mostly indirect evidence, eg. we know that X is swirling around your brain because we took a blood sample and its high in Y which corresponds to X in scenario Z. Alternatively, we injected you with X which makes Y light up on your brain scan while we show you pictures of your parents getting handsy.
Sometimes semi-direct evidence, like having brain cells in a petri dish and observing them respond to stimuli or chemicals.
Sometimes also direct evidence like actually having a rats skull open and continuously probed as scientists(hopefully) feed the rat sugar or something.
All of it builds a knowledge base which is used to make accurate observations via indirect evidence.
Latest Answers