Date/Time
Date(s) - Thu 2 May
20:30 - 21:30
Psychiatrist, philosopher, and literary scholar Iain McGilchrist claims that conceptions of the differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain from 90s pop-psychology are misguided, but that there are indeed hemisphere differences which we need to pay attention to. In this talk, I will seek to briefly outline his theory of the functional differences of the brain hemispheres, how he sees these playing out in various psychopathologies and neurodiversities, and ultimately in the “[un]making of the Western world.” I will then discuss how this speaks into my own research into psychological talk-based therapy provided by AI-driven conversational computer programmes (chatbot therapy), itself reflecting dynamics of attention and theories of knowledge and language outlined by McGilchrist. Finally, I will unpack some implications of the hemisphere hypothesis for theology, with a special emphasis on “attention as a moral act.”
Speaker Bio
Jacob is a father to Archie and Noah, and husband to Miriam. He is currently an Honours student at AUT, studying psychology, and has completed a dissertation looking at AI-assisted psychotherapy. His background is in theology, with his MTh thesis published as The Hidden Authorship of Søren Kierkegaard (Wipf & Stock, 2015). He has a persistent interest in language, learning, and relationality. He has worked in education and as a Baptist minister.
About the ISCAST–NZCIS Conversations
Since 2020, ISCAST and New Zealand Christians in Science have run the Conversations series, with an aim to promote a dialogue between the sciences and the Christian faith. Experts are invited to speak on their topic, which is then followed by a Q&A and discussion. After several themed ISCAST–NZCIS Conversations on creation care, future technologies, and ethics, they are excited to announce another open series welcoming speakers to present on any topic within the science–faith intersection: Navigating the Nexus.
“Navigating the Nexus” promises 8 highly interactive and intellectually stimulating weekly discussions for curious minds, tackling the endless (and endlessly fascinating) questions surrounding science and Christian faith.
Join online to hear from a vast range of acclaimed speakers on questions such as:
How should we read the Genesis creation story today?
Is ageing a creational good?
How can Christians face the possibility that serious enduring climate change is now inevitable?
How was Darwin’s theory of evolution used as justification for historical racial conflicts?
Does science require love?
DETAILS:
Thursday nights from 18 April until 6 June
Starts 6:30 p.m. AEST or 8:30 p.m. NZST.
Presentation: 30 minutes
Discussion & Questions: 30 minutes +
PRICES:
For this Conversations series, you can either register for the full series, or register for separate sessions.
$70 for the full series ($35 for ISCAST/NZCIS Members)
$20 for student/concession, full series (FREE for student/concession members of ISCAST or NZCIS)
$15 per session ($7.50 for ISCAST/NZCIS members)