MBB 2009 Distinguished Lecture Series
Harvard University - April 21, 22, & 23
4-6pm in Yenching Auditorium
2 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA
This year's lectures included three nights of conversations with Daniel Dennett, Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy, University Professor, and Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University.
- Tuesday, April 21
Battles in the Brain
Post-lecture commentary by Harry Lewis
Gordon McKay Professor of Computer Science
Harvard College Professor
A consideration of the seemingly paradoxical nature and structure of the brain, including: intra-cerebral conflicts, 'selfish neurons,' and anarchic computer architectures.
- Wednesday, April 22
My Body Has A Mind Of Its Own: So What Does It Need Me For?
Post-lecture commentary by Sean Kelly
Professor of Philosophy
If "conscious thought" is an evolutionarily recent and hugely expensive innovation, what pays for it?
- Thursday, April 23
How Brains Become Minds: The Role Of Cultural Software
Post-lecture commentary by Steven Pinker
Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychology
Harvard College Professor
An exploration of how culture in general and language in particular shape our minds, installing perspectives and values, and building the thousands of cognitive micro-habits that constitute both our competences and our disabilities.