encephalitis lethargica

an epidemic form of encephalitis that was observed globally between 1915 and 1926 and believed to be of viral origin (it appeared following an influenza pandemic of 1914–1918). Symptoms include pathological sleepiness and drowsiness, apathy, and ocular paralysis. Also called Economo’s disease; von Economo’s disease.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

Machiavellian hypothesis

the hypothesis that the evolution of intelligence, especially in its social aspects, was largely dependent on behavior characterized by a desire and striving for power. According to the hypothesis, individuals who are more Machiavellian in their behavior are more likely to be successful in adaptation and thus more likely to spread their genes to future generations. [Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), Italian political theorist]