1. Phobias can be seen as dramatic examples of conditioned emotional responses. These responses can even be contagious; we can acquire them without direct experience with an aversive stimulus. For example, a child who sees a parent show signs of fright in the presence of a dog may also develop a fear reaction to the dog. Do you think that some prejudices might be learned in this way, too?
2. Suppose a man sustained brain damage that destroyed his ventral prefrontal cortex, and soon afterward he began exhibiting antisocial behavior. One day, while he was in his car waiting for a red light to change, he saw a man with whom he had previously had a violent argument cross the street in front of him. He suddenly stepped on the accelerator, struck the man, and killed him. Should the fact of his brain damage play any role in his prosecution and judgment in court? Why or why not?
