Explore the complex nature of human identity in this thought-provoking conference talk from the World Science Festival. Delve into the fascinating interplay between neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology as leading experts discuss how our sense of self is shaped by both neurological factors and social-cultural contexts. Examine key questions about the nature of consciousness, memory, and morality, and their roles in forming personal identity. Discover insights from cutting-edge research on topics such as the function of memory, the relationship between morality and self-concept, and the potential for dismantling the self. Gain a deeper understanding of how narrative structures and moral decision-making have evolved in the human brain over time. This interdisciplinary exploration challenges conventional notions of identity and offers new perspectives on what it means to be human in the context of modern scientific understanding.
Overview
Syllabus
Maria Konnikova Introduction
Participant introductions
What is the self?
What methods are used to identify the self?
Is difference of feeling like yourself and the what the self feels like on the inside.
Does the self come from our social experiences?
Is memory more important than morality?
What is memory for?
Who was patient HM?
How do you define morality?
Does the self change along with morality changes?
Can the self be dismantled?
Is there a memory based fabric that lies underneath morality?
Have narrative structures been imprinted in our memories over time?
How long have morality based decisions been a part of emotional sections of the brain?
Is it possible to test what is more predictable in moral behavior?
Taught by
World Science Festival
