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Alison Gopnik

On infant learning, connectionism, philosophy, and cognitive science. Learning and representation, applications in computing and developmental psychology and the role of probablistic modeling. What knowledge is innate and what is learned from environment? Experiments show powerful results, and Gopnik reveals how previously opposed views can actually support one another. Interviewed at CogSci 2010: Cognition in Flux.

Theatre and Cognitive Neuroscience – Science’s Impact on Ideas of the Actor

Something a little different: a theatre professor talks about the impact of cognitive science on acting. An ambitious and original interdisciplinary talk applying findings from neuroscience and metaphors to describe imagination, embodiment, perception, philosophy, and more, as relevant to the art of acting.

The Benign Violation Theory of Humor

The combination of a moral violation with benign consequences is a recipe for amusement, says an interesting new study on what makes things funny. Available alongside the peer-reviewed research article Benign Violations: Making Immoral Behavior Funny, McGraw and Warren, Psychological Science, 2010, in a multimedia pubcast, or an audio podcast version.

Is the Pursuit of Happiness Making Us Miserable?

Lively and at times funny Australian debate between experts in diverse fields on “that fizzy burst of high caffeine goodness that we call happiness” and satisfaction: seeking it within vs. social and material pleasures. Produced by ABC, via FORA.tv.

Fashion Blog Ethics

Are there different ethical standards for new media and traditional media? Should fashion bloggers [or any blogger] accept free products or gifts? What types of advertising are okay? What makes an ethical blogger, and why should bloggers be concerned with ethics? This short video recaps a panel discussion at the Evolving Influence Fashion Blog Conference held at New York Fashion Week. Read more on the topic from Independent Fashion Bloggers.

L’Approssimatio in Tempora

Social convention, math philosophy, mad pride, a pendulum set, and dancing children come together in this innovative and fascinating short film [in Italian with English subtitles]. First prize winner of the Mind the Difference video contest. Congratulations to Alessandro Seidita, Joshua Wahlen, and all the top filmmakers!

[Image of the Banff Springs Hotel by Steph & Adam.]

Neuro Talk: Tap In, The Experts Weigh In

Short (1 to 2 min. each) interview clips in modules on major topics including brain scans, religion, neurolaw, cosmetic psychopharmacology, meditation, coma, and more from attendees at a neuroethics conference in Banff, Alberta. Non-resizable and unsharable custom video player, but great content.

What We Are

What it is to be human: “a modern secular view.” First in a series of six talks by the distinguished cognitive scientist, in this long-running philosophical lecture series.

What it Means to Be Human

Online in five parts, a fascinating panel discussion about what it is to be human, touching on cognitive science, philosophy, genetics, psychology, culture, linguistics, and more. Host Charlie Rose was also adept at assembling some of these same scientists (with others) for a special series on his TV show, here and here. Hat tip to the excellent new Law and Neuroscience Blog and @lawneuro.

A kinder, gentler philosophy of success

“[Hamlet] is not a loser, he has lost.” Tragedy and tragic art teach us to be kinder in our views of success and failure, acknowledging that loss isn’t always merit-based. Witty and compelling TED Talk, newly released from TED Global 2009.