Save the date for our May breakfast meeting and get ready to kick off your morning with a blend of networking and learning. Join us to hear from guest speaker, Paul Corballis as he speaks about "Illusion, Memory, and (Ir)rational Decisions: Insights from Neuroscience and Psychology"
Our intuitions and experiences convince us of three unshakeable but untenable beliefs: that we see perceive the world as it is, that our memories are accurate reflections of the past, and that we are rational actors. None of these stands up to scrutiny. Contemporary research in neuroscience and psychology challenges our self-concept as Homo Sapiens and reveals a much more complex – and interesting story. Human behaviour relies on perceptions and memories that are best considered as unstable constructions that are subject to illusion, ambiguity, and mis-construal. Our decisions – even those undertaken in circumstances that demand clear-headed rationality – are strongly influenced by brain mechanisms that evolved to support survival and social cohesion rather than logical inference. I will discuss an emerging understanding of the nature of human mind-brain and suggest an appeal to the rules of science as a – possibly ironic – antidote to our own irrationality.
This event provides a platform for professionals, both seasoned AMINZ members and newcomers, to connect and share insights into the ADR community.
Date: Thursday 16th May
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 am
Dress Code: Business Attire
Cost: $49
Whether you're a seasoned AMINZ member or new to the community all are welcome.
Please RSVP by Monday 13th May for catering purposes.
About the Speaker: Paul Corballis
Paul Corballis is a professor of psychology at the University of Auckland and a principal investigator at the Centre for Brain Research. Born in Auckland, Paul divided his childhood between Canada and New Zealand.
After completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology at the University of Auckland, he moved to Columbia University in New York City for doctoral studies. Paul held academic positions in the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Dartmouth College and in the School of Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology before returning to New Zealand in 2011.
Paul teaches courses in biological psychology and human neuroscience and conducts research into the brain mechanisms underpinning human perception, attention, cognitive control, and decision making. He lives in St Heliers with his wife, daughter, two dogs and a cat.