Neuroscience and the Roots of Human Connections - The Social Synapse

Explore the fascinating world of human social connections in this thought-provoking conference talk from the World Science Festival. Delve into the development of the human brain and its comparison to other animals, examining how neurons orchestrate communal behavior and guide group interactions. Discover the key to human success in building complex tools and creating vast social networks. Join experts Louise Barrett, Agustín Fuentes, Kevin Laland, Kevin Ochsner, and Dietrich Stout as they discuss topics ranging from the definition of culture to the evidence of social culture from 80,000 years ago. Learn about the intersection of social psychology and neuroscience, the creation of Acheulean hand axes, and the relationship between brain size and social behavior. Gain insights into the multidisciplinary approach to studying human behavior and the concept of a social brain distinct from intelligence.

Syllabus

- The Roots of Human Connections
- John Donvan introduction
- Define culture
- Why are humans a successful social animal?
- The simulated cumulative culture box
- The evidence of a social culture from 80,000 years ago.
- The intersection of social psychology and Neuroscience
- How to make an Acheulean hand axe
- Does social behavior vary with brain size?
- Is there a social brain apart from intelligence?
- Studying human behavior across fields.