Upcoming sessions(2008)

  • 12th. Feb.: CafeLitt First Photo awards and Second Birthday. A Party till midnight
  • 19th Feb.: From Margine to center by Amir Khadir
  • 26 Feb.: Global Financial crisis 2008. The end of an era?! by Ali Paknejad
  • Sunday 8th. March: BOOKCLUB, Disgrace By J.M.Coetzee

2.2.09

CafeLitt 107: "Mirrors in the Brain - How Our Minds Share Actions and Emotions II





Subject: Mirrors in the Brain - How Our Minds Share Actions and Emotions II
Date: Thursday 5th. Feb. 2009 19:00
Presented by:
Shahin Zanganhpour

Place: Basement of Thomson House (Dining room),3650 McTavish St., Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2
Metro: Peel (sortie Metcalfe) or McGill sortie University
Bus 144 (Map) (Schedule)


Recent findings are rapidly expanding our understanding of a new class of brain cells -- mirror neurons. Some scientists speculate that a mirror system in people's brains forms the basis for social behavior, for our ability to imitate, acquire language, and show empathy and understanding. It also may have played a role in the evolution of speech. Shahin will present an overview of the functional properties of the mirror system as well as a very brief historical look at the discovery of this marvellous system. After discussing the role of mirror neurons in understanding action and imitation, he will end the presentation with an examination of the link between the mirror system and some arguably unique human domains, such as language and culture.