<p>I'm not sure how constructive it is to think of it in terms of "components", because there are so many that contribute to selfishness: for example, you only feel your body's pain.  Food and sex only feel good to you when you're the one experiencing them.</p>

<p>Instead, it might be more constructive to look for components of selflessness and altruism, them being the exception.  And that, according to some, lies in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kin_selection" rel="nofollow">kin selection</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-01T03:14:48.383Z
Right, except that I was asking about a specific cause and effect scenario, not a bio-mechanical explanation of why/when humans develop the concept of sharing, etc.
Cbaker510
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-01T03:58:25.240Z
How do you mean?
Keegan Keplinger
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T01:43:00.660Z
Well, I'm looking for a clear, concise exploration of the human mind, and you're offering culty psychobabble.
Cbaker510
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-06T13:40:34.763Z
I'm still not clear what you're asking and your comments are getting pejorative.  Please keep a civil tone.
Keegan Keplinger
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-01T02:26:04.650Z
2014-09-01T02:26:04.650Z
Keegan Keplinger
<p>Hypothalamus (mediating the four F's) septal area and amygdala (hedonic states); orbito-frontal cortex, mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway (incentive orientation), for some contributory possibilities.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-08T03:30:38.417Z
This answer could use some fleshing out.
anongoodnurse
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-09-08T00:21:11.520Z
2014-09-08T00:21:11.520Z
RichT
<p>Is there a neurological component to selfishness? </p>

<p>Awhile back, I witnessed a mentally retarded person who was severely possessive of a water fountain, claiming it was "his".  <br>
I've also seen toddlers exhibit this same behavior. <br> Is this a form of arrested development?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-31T22:15:40.340Z
You seem to be describing possessiveness. Is that what you're asking about?
anongoodnurse
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-08-31T23:00:37.973Z
Sort of, I more like the opposite of this: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/brain-region-associated-selfishness
Cbaker510
<social-psychology><personality><cognitive-neuroscience><developmental-psychology>
Neurological basis of selfishness?
Cbaker510
# Neurological basis of selfishness?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-08-31)

Is there a neurological component to selfishness?

Awhile back, I witnessed a mentally retarded person who was severely possessive of a water fountain, claiming it was "his".   
I've also seen toddlers exhibit this same behavior.   
 Is this a form of arrested development?

**Tags:** social-psychology, personality, cognitive-neuroscience, developmental-psychology

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: You seem to be describing possessiveness. Is that what you're asking about?  
> **username_0**: Sort of, I more like the opposite of this: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/brain-region-associated-selfishness  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2014-09-01. Score: 2

I'm not sure how constructive it is to think of it in terms of "components", because there are so many that contribute to selfishness: for example, you only feel your body's pain. Food and sex only feel good to you when you're the one experiencing them.

Instead, it might be more constructive to look for components of selflessness and altruism, them being the exception. And that, according to some, lies in [kin selection](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kin_selection).

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Right, except that I was asking about a specific cause and effect scenario, not a bio-mechanical explanation of why/when humans develop the concept of sharing, etc.  
> **username_2**: How do you mean?  
> **username_0**: Well, I'm looking for a clear, concise exploration of the human mind, and you're offering culty psychobabble.  
> **username_2**: I'm still not clear what you're asking and your comments are getting pejorative.  Please keep a civil tone.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2014-09-08. Score: -1

Hypothalamus (mediating the four F's) septal area and amygdala (hedonic states); orbito-frontal cortex, mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway (incentive orientation), for some contributory possibilities.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: This answer could use some fleshing out.  

---

