Splendours and miseries of the brain

Semir Zeki, Professor of Neurobiology at University College London, discussed how the work of artists and writes reflects the physiology of the brain, and how this is linked to emotional response.

In studying how the human brain functions, the neurobiologist uses not only the knowledge derived from traditional approaches such as anatomy, physiology and brain imaging, but also that derived from the products of the brain, such as art, literature and music, which provide powerful insights into how the brain is organised.

This lecture argues that the brain is above all a knowledge-acquiring system. By synthesising all experiences we develop ‘ideal’ concepts. However, exposure to particular experiences can often be at odds with the ideal concepts formulated by the brain, and this commonly leads to dissatisfaction and disappointment. Freud identified our ‘mental constitution’ as the basis for human suffering, and Zeki will argue that at the heart of the matter are brain concepts that cannot be satisfied.

Professor Zeki demonstrates how the work of artists and writers reflects the physiology of the brain, and how this is linked to emotional response.

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