The Artful Brain

From Ghiberti's development of perspective to Gombrich's work on illusions in art, the science of perception and the arts have long been interconnected. Recent developments in neuroscience, and the emergence of 'neuroaesthetics' (or experimental aesthetics), are contributing new insights into our appreciation of works of art, and our aesthetic preferences. But they also raise fundamental questions. What makes us capable of aesthetic appreciation in the first place? Is there something specific in our neurological  - and cognitive - endowment that makes the human brain an artful brain? Does the appearance of art in human prehistory mark the ‘emergence of the modern mind’, as suggested in the recent Ice-Age Art exhibition at the British Museum? Does neuroaesthetics challenge us to look at art as a by-product of evolution – genetic or cultural?  

Philosophers and cognitive neuroscientists will investigate these questions during the Artful Brain Conference.  

Programme in Pdf format: http://philosophy.sas.ac.uk/sites/default/files/files/ArtfulBrain_programme.pdf

REGISTRATION (essential)

To register please send a message to [email protected] with “Artful Brain 25 Oct” as the subject header. In the message please state in the following format:  

1. Surname, Forename
2. Your fees category
3. Any affiliation (current staff and students should state department and/or course)

FEES (includes teas and reception):

No charge: CURRENT STAFF AND STUDENTS OF UOL PHILOSOPHY & IP INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
£10 STAFF AND STUDENTS OF OTHER PHILOSOPHY DEPTS
£25 STANDARD  

All fees will be taken at the conference venue and you will only be contacted in advance if there is a query with your registration.