Evidence Based Cognitive Enhancement: a Neuropsychological Perspective - Tom Michael [UKH+] (1/2)

Tom Michael is currently trying to finish a PhD in neuropsychology. His research topic is frontal lobe brain injury, an area of the brain which is critical for self control, and how the cognitive and behavioural difficulties that are caused by this type of injury affect relatives and carers of the brain injured person.

Neuropsychology is primarily concerned with assessment and rehabilitation of cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties which can occur as a result of brain injury. Focal brain injury can cause a dramatic loss of some aspects of a person's cognitive function, whilst leaving others relatively intact, meaning that neuropsychologists are able to study the different elements of human cognition in detail, and localise these cognitive abilities to a brain area critical to their function. Although the emphasis is on helping people to restore or compensate for lost function following a brain injury, the same principles and understanding can be applied to considering cognitive enhancement in healthy individuals (ways in which people can become smarter).

In this presentation, Tom will give a brief overview of some social, psychological and biological methods of cognitive enhancement, considering the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods, citing psychology research literature where available. The emphasis will be on technologies which are currently available rather than future speculation. The future is here, its just unevenly distributed.

This lecture was recorded on 29th January 2011 at the UKH+ meeting. For information on further meetings please see:
http://extrobritannia.blogspot.com/

Category:

Science & Technology

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• posthumanism
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