To the Origins of the Human Mind

When we speak about human nature, we normally define it using traits and behaviors generated in our minds: language, emotions, creativity, generosity, collaboration, self-awareness, etc. However, we still know very little about how these qualities have developed to the point where they have come to characterize us as a species. Beyond the mind/brain duality established in modern western science, influenced by the Christian division between soul and body, we now know that the two are nearly inseparable. To the point that, currently, some scientists and philosophers affirm that the human mind, with all of its capabilities, is the result of biological evolution and responds to the same adaptive criteria as other aspects of life. What do we know, then, about what really makes us human? What happens in our mind/brain when we are able to speak, create and feel?

The debates, as part of the Year of Neuroscience, will approach the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience research and the consequences they have on our concept of what defines us as human beings. The debates will be multidisciplinary and will approach the views from both the scientific and humanistic arenas. 

Time: 19:30h