The science of emotions: Jaak Panksepp at TEDxRainier

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Published 2014-01-13

Given an inherent subjective nature, emotions have long been a nearly impenetrable topic for scientific research. Affective neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp explains a modern approach to emotions, and how taking seriously the emotions of other animals might soon improve the lives of millions.

Jaak Panksepp introduced the concept of Affective Neuroscience in 1990, consisting of an overarching vision of how mammalian brains generate experienced affective states in animals, as effective models for fathoming the primal evolutionary sources of emotional feelings in human beings. This work has implications for further developments in Biological Psychiatry, ranging from an understanding of the underlying brain disorders, to new therapeutic strategies. Panksepp is a Ph.D. Professor and Baily Endowed Chair of Animal Well-Being Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University. His scientific contributions include more than 400 papers devoted to the study of basic emotional and motivational processes of the mammalian brain. He has conducted extensive research on brain and bodily mechanisms of feeding and energy-balance regulation, sleep physiology, and most importantly the study of emotional processes, including associated feelings states, in other animals.

This talk was given November 9, 2013 in Seattle at TEDxRainier, a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

All Comments (21)

@inkfish9808 8 years ago

This man should win a Nobel. The inside story is that his life's work is driven by the loss of his daughter. As a story technologist and film/screen/playwright by way of investigative journalism, his work has changed my understanding of how story meets affect.
@DecodingDoom 6 years ago

"Science does not answer why questions: it answers how questions." Probably the most important quote for any researcher. I think the social sciences have largely forgotten this axiom.
@douglaswatt1582 4 years ago

Jaak's passing has left a huge hole in the field of affective neuroscience and emotion studies in general. His ideas and contributions have proven prescient and will inspire generations of scientists pluming the nature of mind and affect. This is an excellent short intro to his thinking.
@vik56in 3 years ago

This is one of the greatest and most powerful lectures ever on TEDxTalks and surprisingly hasn't managed to garner even 1M views. The irony is that very good stage performers manage to garner more views and have viral videos on TEDxTalks even though most of their talk is superficial and Fluff.
@CeliaHaddoncats 9 years ago

A great man. Thank you, Jaak Panksepp, for persisting in the face of scientific disapproval from the behaviourists.
@l.n.9392 3 years ago

This is what true science looks like. Inspirational. The world is a better place for his having been here.
@FCox-cy2zq 7 years ago

Thank-you Dr. Panksepp and rest in peace. GOD Bless you and your life's work. It has helped me and my patients immensely. My heart goes out to the family you left behind, I wish you all peace and health.
@yeahohright3097 8 years ago

I don't know what the fuck is going on in the comment section, but this was an extremely informative talk. Panksepp, if for whatever reason you're reading this, know that you have my gratitude for being innovative in your approach instead of parroting all the Cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRI nonsense that psychology is filled with today. Mental illness is one of the worst things that can happen to a human being, I'm glad something is being done to help future generations.
@VotEtoPizdets 2 years ago

2021 and im still rewatching this almost monthly. I miss Dr Panksepp. He was far too underrated and i believe that he will be revered a hundred years from now as one of histories greatest minds, especially in neuroscience. His findings will be the platform for the future neuroscientists to create amazing things. Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see his work applied to society on a grand scale. Im sure he knew this would be the logical outcome. But he was a great man and an incredible intellectual. If i could sit down at lunch with one person, it would either be Dr Panksepp or Dr Peterson. Purely brilliant minds.
@gireeshksubbiah6960 4 years ago

Great speech and an inspiring story from an engineer to a neuroscientist. Dr Panksepp passed away a few years later after this speech in 2017 but I am sure his legacy will live on with his works and speeches like this.
@Javier-il1xi 6 years ago

I've been only recently acquainted with Dr. Panksepp's work. I just ordered Affective Neuroscience and can't wait to read it. Extremely interesting work and man. Rest in Peace.
@Monika6206 3 years ago

I was so involving listening to him and so sorry to hear that he past away....RIP Jack Panksepp and thank you for helping me to understand the power each human being have to control their emotions and that we should invesment more in creating experiences of "pleasure" rather than "loss". Your legace will continue ❤
@melmakesmagic 3 years ago

This man is a breath of fresh air! Sending love to all.
@christophjkoerber 5 years ago

thank you Mr Panksepp. Rest in Peace. so valuable work
@cuddlycactus6378 3 years ago

I only wish more people watched this video and understood that Human Beings are Animals (Mammals)...We have more in common with animals than many people realize. "We are brothers and sisters under the skin and once we and we better recognize that. And once we understand them, we will finally understand ourselves."
@valeriejonckheer-sheehy7604 9 years ago

Brilliant review on the neuroscience behind emotions and the link between humans and animals.
@sherylxavier8948 6 years ago

Big Hug, love and gratitude for giving due respect to animals and their feelings. The emotions in animals has brought enlightenment to many saints in India in the past. God bless you for your invaluable discovery. One who has this deep understanding of animals emotions is definitely a super being My family members are cats, dogs, birds, snakes and many other little species There is such joy living together, nothing can beat this. Love and blessings to all animal lovers
@srideepnairkesavan8595 4 years ago

Awesome, inspiring! Thank you for sharing 50 years of your life’s work for the betterment of all living beings!
@Muzza373 7 years ago

Goes with Bowlby's studies. How wonderful, not only insight into our human behaviour, but into our respect of animals.
@AmbiCahira 6 years ago

Because feelings are so universal we can not just sense what someone else feels in a recording (no body language) even if it's a different language, but I do exactly that with my animals. I hear a vocalization and then I try to feel what the sound feels like and I have become very skilled in hearing the feeling. :)