Daniel Yon

Cognitive neuroscientist Daniel Yon, director of the Uncertainty Lab at Birkbeck University, discusses how our brains actively invent reality, rather than simply perceiving it. He reveals that perception is a predictive process, likening the brain to a scientist interpreting sensory data. Yon explores the evolutionary advantages of this predictive nature and how our perceptions can sometimes misalign with reality, potentially influencing mental health. His insights challenge us to rethink how we understand both perception and the brain’s versatility.

In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Yon, a psychologist and neuroscientist known for his work at Birkbeck, University of London, delves into how our brains construct reality. He reveals that our perceptions are shaped through hypothesis-driven processes, affecting how we relate to each other. Yon introduces the concept of 'body dialects,' highlighting the importance of understanding expressions in communication. He also explores how self-image is influenced by past experiences, and discusses why curiosity and learning are key to happiness.

In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Yon, a British neuroscientist and psychologist at Birkbeck College, shares insights from his book, 'A Trick of the Mind'. He reveals how our brains act like scientists, actively constructing realities instead of merely recording them. The conversation explores the impact of biases on rationality, the meeting point of human cognition and AI, and how psychedelics can alter our perception. Yon also examines the spectrum of mental health, emphasizing the intricacies of how we experience reality.