Event overview
Dr Gustav Kuhn, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths
Abstract:
Over the centuries, magicians have developed extensive knowledge about how to manipulate our conscious experience; knowledge that has been largely ignored by science. However, in recent years, steps have been taken towards utilizing this knowledge to further our understanding of human cognition and consciousness. Here I will explore areas of science in which the science of magic has contributed to our understanding of human consciousness and cognition. I will discuss the types of contributions that this science has made to date, and explore some future directions. For example, what can we learn from the perceptual and cognitive effects that magicians have developed? What can their techniques (e.g. misdirection) tell us about attention and awareness? How can we use magic as a tool to investigate psychological processes? How can magical effects be used to investigate belief systems? What can the experiential states generated by observing magic effects tell us about human experience? What can we learn from the magician’s expertise in motor control? I will conclude that there are numerous areas in which magic is not merely a sufficient, but a necessary way of investigation.
Brief Bio:
Gustav Kuhn is senior lecturer in the department of Psychology at Goldsmiths. Prior to his academic career, Gustav worked as a professional magician. In much of his research he utilizes the methods and techniques used by magicians to distort our perception to investigate human cognition.
The Whitehead Lectures in "Cognition, Computation and Culture"
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Oct 2012 | 4:00pm - 6:00pm |
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