Are our emotions truly our own, or are they just malleable chemical reactions?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Professor Robin May explores the emerging neuroscience of emotional manipulation. As we gain the ability to alter human moods through chemistry and environmental influence, we face a profound ethical dilemma: if we can change our temperament, which version of ourselves is the authentic one?

Emotions are biological processes rooted in brain chemistry, making them susceptible to modification. From the scents of lavender or baking bread that influence our behavior to the pharmacological power of SSRIs and psychoactive agents like psilocybin, we are increasingly capable of adjusting human mood. These interventions, while therapeutically promising, raise difficult questions about the nature of the self and the authenticity of our experiences.

The potential for manipulation extends beyond human agency. Parasites like the rabies virus and Toxoplasma gondii demonstrate how pathogens can hijack neural circuits to force behavioral changes—such as inducing aggression or altering fear responses—to ensure their own survival. By understanding these biological mechanisms, we are approaching a future where emotional states can be precisely controlled, forcing us to confront the ethical boundaries of altering the human mind.

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