Can computation capture contemplation, consciousness and compassion? - Professor Jakob Hohwy
Abstract
Computational understandings of our perception and behaviour are becoming dominant but can seem inhospitable to contemplation, consciousness and compassion. By casting the brain as an organ for uncertainty reduction, I propose we can make conceptual room for those vital aspects of our lives. I illustrate this approach with examples from research on self, optimism, and morality. Useful insights about cultivating wisdom and compassion might follow from this perspective.
Bio
Jakob Hohwy is Professor of Philosophy at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He is the Director of the Monash Centre for Consciousness and contemplative Studies (M3CS), which conducts theoretical and empirical research in consciousness science, contemplative studies, and philosophy of mind. In his work, Jakob collaborates with neuroscientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists on consciousness, self, mental health, and wellbeing. Jakob is the author of The Predictive Mind (OUP 2013), which explains perception, consciousness, and self through the notion of the brain as primarily engaged in uncertainty reduction.
- Hohwy webpage: https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/jakob-hohwy
- M3CS webpage: https://www.monash.edu/m3cs
- X: https://x.com/hohwy
About Compassion Symposium
This cross-disciplinary symposium is designed to bring together academics, clinicians, researchers, and students from different disciplines within The University of Queensland and from the community, to present on how compassion is or could be a part of their research, studies, or practice.
The compassion symposium consists of the free keynote address, and the full-day conference.
About the Event
The School of Psychology at The University of Queensland is delighted to announce the return of the UQ Compassion Symposium for 2024. The ninth iteration of this beloved event, the Symposium will bring together researchers, clinicians and students from a range of disciplines to showcase compassion-based research and practice.
Registration for the Keynote Address and the Compassion Conference is now open. See below for full details and to register.
Key dates
Keynote
Friday 27 September 2024 (commencing at 6pm, pre-drinks and nibbles from 5pm)
Location: Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, St Lucia Campus
Note: This is a free event but registration is required
Conference
Saturday 28 September 2024 (registration from 8:30am, 9:00am - 4:00pm)
Location: Oral Health Centre, Herston Campus
The 2024 full-day format will again include two concurrent streams to provide an array of session options to conference delegates. Presenters will be given a 30-minute time-slot, which includes time for questions and discussion.
Please note this will be an ‘in person’ only event
Ticket information
Early Bird Ticket (29 July-31 August): $99.00
Student Ticket: $99.00
Standard Ticket: $149.00
Please note registrations close on the 20th of September.
Conference program
Download a copy of the conference program via the button below.
Download the conference program (PDF, 61.3 KB)
Call for presenters
The call for presenters has now ended.