The Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (CBMHR), in partnership with
Hunter Medical Research Institure (HMRI) invites you to a free public forum presented
by Ben Newell, Professor of Cognitive Psychology and Deputy Head of the School of Psychology,
University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Professor Ben Newell
Title: Intuitively (Ir)rational? A user's guide to the science of the mind.
In the "post-truth" world it has never been easier to obtain information but never
harder to filter and verify it. Traditional and social media are awash with reports of
how to 'nudge' people towards improved health, wealth and happiness by capitalising
on principles of behaviour uncovered in the psychology laboratory. But the popularity
of psychology research also presents a challenge to the user of the 'science
of the mind'.
Are we doomed to be (predictably) irrational? Are there two (or more) brain/mind
systems squabbling over the right to make decisions for us? Should we believe
claims of an 'intelligent unconscious' that can make our difficult decisions for us?
How often are the 'sexy' findings that reach the media backed up by rigorous and
replicable research?
This talk grapples with this rich, seductive but often confusing landscape. It offers
an alternative take on the zeitgeist for easily-led, irrational humans and provides a
guide for applying what we know about how we think to the problems we face as a
society.
Location: NeW Space Newcastle, Room, X101, Level 1
Date: Thursday, 31st August 2017
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm (Light refreshments provided)
For more information, please contact
e: Angela.Hawke@newcastle.edu.au
p: (02) 4033 5706
