Autofocus Blended Learning eSeminars series ABLeS
The programme – Architecture: Philosophy and Sciences – is a partnership of three R&D centres: IF/MLAG Institute of Philosophy/Mind Language Action Research Group, CEAU Centre for Studies of Architecture and Urbanism of the Faculty of Architecture of University of Porto and CITAD Centre for Research in Territory, Architecture, and Design/G1 of FAA / Faculty of Architecture and Arts of Lusíada University –North/Porto.
Live sessions will be broadcast via streaming, recorded, and later edited and made available in open access on the digital platform, as part of the Autofocus Blended Learning eSeminars ABLeS INTERSECTIONS.
#2 Seminar: Ways to Think About the Brain by György Buzsáki, New York University
Abstract: Current neuroscience is largely fueled by an empiricist philosophy that assumes the brain’s goal is to perceive, represent the world, and learn the truth. An inevitable consequence of this framework is the assumption of a decision-making homunculus wedged between our perception and actions. In contrast, I advocate that the brain’s fundamental function is to induce actions and predict the consequences of those actions to support the survival and prosperity of the brain’s host. Only actions can provide a second opinion about the relevance of the sensory inputs and provide meaning for and interpretation of those inputs. In this “inside-out” framework, the brain comes with a preconfigured and self-organized dynamic that constrains how it acts and views the world. In the brain’s nonegalitarian organization, preexisting nonsense brain patterns become meaningful through action-based experience. I will show recent experiments that support this framework.
The attendance is free of charge and open to anyone, but registration is mandatory. If you plan to attend, please register here.
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#1 Seminar: The presentation of the recently published book by University of California at San Diego neuroscientist Michael Arbib – When Brains Meet Buildings (2021) – will take place on the 15th and 16th of November at the Rectory of the University of Porto.
Three colloquia – When Brains Meet Buildings, Neuromorphic Architecture and Memory and Imagination: Towards a Cognitive Neuroscience of Architectural Design – will summarize the positions defended by the author in the book. There will then be an opportunity to debate the issues in thematic seminars #00 – Architecture: Philosophy and Sciences – and #01 – Architecture & Neurosciences: an overview, with researchers from the partner institutions.
The attendance is free of charge and open to anyone, but registration is mandatory. If you plan to attend, please register here.
