At the Garrison Institute’s 2011 Climate, Mind and Behavior Symposium, Dr. John Gowdy of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute discusses the social brain and environmental valuation. He explains the concept of neuroplasticity and the role of spindle neurons in allowing humans to rapidly assess social situations. He observes that contrary to many economic models humans are not purely rational beings, deeply influenced by our social awareness. He discusses the links between pro-social and –environmental behavior, economics and neuroscience.