In the footsteps of another: the mirror neuron network behind empathy and imitation

Abstract

Considering the actions of good Samaritans who risk their lives for strangers, can we develop a scientific explanation for their risky altruism? Using the story of my grandmother, who helped a French Foreign Legion soldier escape Algeria, as my prime example, I explored the connection between mirror neurons and selfless acts. I delivered my conclusions in the style of a scientific article inspired by Gerald Callahan’s "Chimera" to be comprehensible for those outside of the scientific community. The main topic, mirror neurons, were found to exist within various regions of our brains as a network that is responsible for specific motor and empathic tasks. They are stimulated during goal-oriented movements, such as picking up food, and when watching another mimic or perform a familiar movement. These motor triggers can also activate their empathic function of processing others' emotions as our own, giving us a feeling of empathy. However, mirror neurons do not make up the entire picture of why we have empathy and commit selfless acts. Linking my newfound knowledge of mirror neurons back to the tale of my grandmother, I found a new hidden reason among many in her decision to help save a stranger's life.