It seems that we have learned more about the brain in the last decade than over the previous millennia of human history. But to what extent are developments in the ‘new brain sciences’ leading to a mutation in our understanding of selfhood? Are we in the midst of a move from ‘soul to brain’, a radical restructuring of our understanding of human ‘psychology’ and the rise of a ‘neuronal self’? If so, in what ways, and with what consequences, for individuals and for society, and for our ways of governing ourselves and others?

This symposium will focus on one key aspect of these developments. It will ask to what extent these developments are reshaping our understanding of human subjectivity, identity and selfhood and with what consequences? And to what extent are individuals themselves coming to understand their own moods, identities, desires, emotions and distress in the languages of these new sciences of the brain? Will the languages and techniques of these new brain sciences in the 21st century supplement or supplant psychological conceptions of personhood and their associated ways of thinking and acting that emerged in the 20th century with such significant consequences for social and personal life?

This is the closing symposium of a three year research project, ‘Brain Self and Society in the 21st century’, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and based at the LSE. The symposium will bring together leading figures from across the disciplines of the brain sciences, psychiatry, philosophy, history and the social and human sciences in an interdisciplinary dialogue on changing concepts of self and person and their implications.

The event is open and free to all but PRE-REGISTRATION is required as seats are limited. To book a place please send your name, title, position and affiliation to personhood@lse.ac.uk