Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas
219 | Dani Bassett and Perry Zurn on the Neuroscience and Philosophy of Curiosity
Nov 28, 2022
Dani Bassett, a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, and Perry Zurn, a philosopher at American University, dive deep into the nature of curiosity. They explore its dual aspects—enhancing social connections but also leading to polarization. The duo categorizes curiosity into styles like the ‘busybody’ and ‘hunter,’ highlighting how these can influence collaboration. They also delve into curiosity's role in social justice, discuss academia's tension between curiosity and focus, and examine the neuroscience behind curiosity as a cognitive process.
01:02:32
Episode guests
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Curiosity is more than acquiring information; it is about making connections between ideas and people.
- Neural networks in the brain and conceptual networks support cognitive flexibility and facilitate learning.
Deep dives
Advances in Neuroscience: Paralyzed People Communicating, Treating Chronic Pain, Preventing Alzheimer's, Improving Mental Health
This podcast episode explores the incredible advances in neuroscience, including technology that allows paralyzed individuals to communicate without moving, treatments focusing on the mind to alleviate chronic pain, potential therapies to prevent Alzheimer's disease years before it occurs, and how data from our phones can improve mental health care. Host Judith Warner interviews renowned brain scientists who discuss how their work is shaping our understanding of the brain's capabilities and treatment possibilities.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
