22nd March, 2012
Prof Max Velmans on 'The Evolution ofConsciousness'


In this talk Max will explain the fundamental problem that the existence
of consciousness poses for Darwinian evolutionary theory, but he will
also introduce three senses in which consciousness can be said to
evolve, and will touch on what consciousness both is and does.  Max has
been involved in consciousness studies for around 35 years, is currently
Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, and
Visiting Professor in Consciousness Studies, University of Plymouth.
His main research focus is on integrating work on the philosophy,
cognitive psychology and neuropsychology of consciousness. He has around
100 publications in this area including his main book Understanding
Consciousness (now in its second (2009) edition), The Science of
Consciousness (1996), Investigating Phenomenal Consciousness (2000), How
Could Conscious Experiences Affect Brains? (2003), and The Blackwell
Companion to Consciousness (2007). He was a co-founder and, from
2004-2006, Chair of the Consciousness and Experiential Psychology
Section of the British Psychological Society, and an Indian Council of
Philosophical Research National Visiting Professor for 2010-2011. More
information at http://www.gold.ac.uk/psychology/staff/velmans/

26th April, 2012 - Prof Raymond Tallis on 'Why neuroscience will never explain consciousness'


24th May, 2012 - Christopher Titmus on 'The power of mindfulness'


21st June, 2012 - Prof Robert Foreman (USA) - Title to be announced


No Cafes in July and August.



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