Ep14 "Why do we have so little access to what’s happening under the hood?"
Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman06/26/23 • 38 min
Who is doing the choosing when you make a choice? Is there someone in your head but it’s not you? What is a chicken-sexer, and what do they have to do with British plane spotters during WWII? Do we have free will or don’t we? Dive in to discover the ways in which you typically operate with no conscious access to your behaviors.
06/26/23 • 38 min
2 Listeners
Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman - Ep14 "Why do we have so little access to what’s happening under the hood?"
Transcript
When you make a choice, who exactly is doing the choosing? Is there someone in your head but it's not you? What is a chicken sexor and what do they have to do with British plane spotters during World War Two? Do we have free will or don't we? Welcome to inner Cosmos with me, David Eagleman. I'm a neuroscientist at Stanford and one of my big interests has always been understanding all the stuff we do that we don't have access to why we did it, or
Ep14 "Why do we have so little access to what’s happening under the hood?" Top Questions Answered
How does implicit memory affect motor acts like hitting a baseball?
Implicit memory is responsible for procedural learning, which includes motor acts like hitting a baseball. It allows us to perform certain actions automatically, without conscious effort or awareness.
What are some examples of unconscious learning?
Chicken sexing and aircraft spotting are examples of unconscious learning, where individuals acquire expertise without consciously realizing how they're doing it.
Can brain changes due to alcohol, drugs, or medication alter behavior?
Yes, substances like alcohol, drugs, and medication can modify brain chemistry, leading to changes in behavior and decision-making.
Does neuroscience suggest that free will may not exist?
Neuroscience raises questions about free will, as it indicates that unconscious brain processes drive most of our thoughts, actions, and beliefs, potentially limiting the role of conscious choice.
How does damage to small portions of the brain affect behavior?
Even damage to small portions of the brain can lead to significant changes in behavior and abilities, highlighting the intricate nature of brain function.
How does unconscious brain activity influence decision-making?
Unconscious brain processes often drive decision-making, as demonstrated by experiments where men were found to be more attracted to women with dilated eyes without consciously realizing it.
Why does neuroscience raise questions about responsibility and culpability in the legal system?
The relationship between neuroscience and the legal system is complex, as findings in neuroscience challenge traditional notions of responsibility and culpability, considering the influence of unconscious brain processes.
How many neurons are in the human brain?
The human brain is composed of approximately 86 billion neurons, making it an incredibly complex organ.
How does consciousness develop in the brain?
Consciousness is thought to develop as a summary of the brain's activity, providing a simplified version of the vast amount of information processing occurring in the brain.
What are examples of limitations in conscious thought?
Limitations of conscious thought can be observed in activities like playing the piano without consciously thinking about finger movements or writing a signature forward and backward simultaneously.
Why is conscious awareness slower than unconscious processes?
Conscious awareness typically takes longer than unconscious processes, as evidenced by the time it takes for a baseball hitter to react to a fast pitch.
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