“This is your Brain on Humanity”

Thirty years have passed since George H. W. Bush declared the “decade of the brain.” In that time, remarkable advances in brain imaging technology have spurred massive growth in neuroscience research. Now in early adulthood, the field is setting aside credulous, phrenological, positivistic and reductionist thinking in favor of a more skeptical and sophisticated network view of the brain.

The Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities will host a Faculty Work-in-Progress lecture with Anthony Jack, associate professor in the Department of Philosophy, titled “This is your Brain on Humanity” Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

In this talk, Jack will explore the implications of this maturing science for the academy and pedagogy. They are counterintuitive, providing a powerful scientific rationale to temper overemphasis on STEM education with an essential and foundational role for the arts and humanities. Neuroscience suggests that the effectiveness of this Renaissance approach will, however, depend on how the arts and humanities are taught.

Due to social distancing requirements, this Faculty Work-in-Progress lecture will be presented virtually. It will be hosted at case.edu/livestream/s1.