beyond the machine: a panel debate hosted by the Institute of Art & Ideas

The Insitute of Art & Ideas is a not-for-profit organisation that was founded in 2008 to put philosophy & critical thinking into the heart of public life (follow this link to find more about the organisation & the exciting things they're doing). One way the IAI achieves this is by hosting cutting edge debates & talks from thought leaders from a wide range of disciplines & backgrounds.

Beyond the Machine - metaphors of the body

From Descartes’ view of the heart as a pump to Dennett’s conception of the brain as a computer, our understanding of the body is permeated with mechanical metaphors. Is it an error to believe that the body is a machine? Should we find a new adventure in alternative metaphors of the body, or would this be a romantic illusion?

The Panel

Biologist & author of The Science Delusion Rupert Sheldrake, Oxford neuroscientist Colin Blakemore, & award-winning novelist Joanna Kavenna reimagine the human being.

Click here to start watching/listening to the panel debate. Once you've had chance to watch/listen, why not share your your thoughts about some of the issues raised by the debate in the comments box below...