Kevin J. Mitchell

Kevin Mitchell, a neuroscientist and author of 'Free Agents', dives into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and free will. He argues that we're not just programmed characters but proactive agents capable of making meaningful choices. Mitchell explores how habits can enhance our decision-making and emphasizes the role of emotions like guilt and shame in shaping character. He also discusses the evolutionary roots of agency, advocating for a view of freedom that's nuanced rather than absolutist.

Laura Gassner Otting, an author and career expert, discusses her concept of 'Wonder Hell'—the unsettling feeling that follows achievement as new ambitions arise. She shares strategies for coping with these emotions and emphasizes that failure is a learning opportunity. Meanwhile, Kevin Mitchell, a genetics and neuroscience professor, delves into the debate on free will, arguing that while biology influences choices, it doesn't eliminate personal agency. He explores how our evolutionary past shapes our decision-making and its implications for morality.

Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, dives into the intricate web of free will and evolution. He discusses how our choices might not be entirely independent, emphasizing biological determinism's role in decision-making. The conversation explores how even simple organisms show agency and challenges philosophical views on freedom. Mitchell also critiques the impact of AI on our perception of free will, prompting intriguing questions about morality and accountability in an increasingly automated world.

In this enlightening discussion, neuroscientist Kevin J. Mitchell, known for his work on brain development at Trinity College Dublin, explores the complexities of free will and agency. He argues against the notion that our decisions are mere illusions, showcasing how evolution shaped our ability to choose. Delving into the evolution of consciousness, he outlines the journey from single-celled organisms to human beings capable of introspection. Mitchell also tackles the implications of free will in decision-making, ethics, and the future of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin and author of "Innate", dives into the fascinating intersection of brain function and creativity. He discusses neuroplasticity and how our experiences shape identity in the digital age. The conversation also touches on language acquisition, contrasting human learning with AI, and emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and sleep for creativity. Additionally, Mitchell sheds light on neurodiversity, reflecting on autism and unique cognitive conditions, highlighting the beauty of diverse perceptions.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, dives into the fascinating realm of metacognition—how we think about our thinking. He contrasts human decision-making with that of other species, exploring how our evolved brain structure influences belief evaluation and planning. The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding free will versus determinism, revealing the intertwined nature of genetics, consciousness, and our understanding of moral responsibility.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, delves into the origins of free will. He explores the evolution of behavior from single-celled organisms to complex humans. The interplay between neurodevelopment and moral responsibility is highlighted, alongside the idea of living beings as information processors. Kevin also discusses how evolutionary pressures shape decision-making, revealing how instinct evolves into learned behavior over time. It's a fascinating journey into the nature of cognition!

Kevin J. Mitchell, a neuroscientist and geneticist at Trinity College Dublin, challenges the notion that free will is an illusion. He discusses how evolutionary processes shaped agency, revealing that organisms are more than machines responding to stimuli. Mitchell explains the evolution of nervous systems and how they enable adaptive decision-making through sensory inference and learning. He also explores the unique human abilities of introspection and reasoning, offering new insights into free will's implications for law, biology, and artificial intelligence.

Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin and author of 'Free Agents: How Evolution Gave us Free Will', dives deep into the fascinating intersection of free will and neuroscience. He discusses how genetics and brain wiring shape our decisions and personality. The conversation tackles complex ideas such as determinism, indeterminacy, and the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. Through engaging banter, Mitchell and the hosts unfold the nuanced relationship between biology and the essence of human agency.

Join Susan Blackmore, a psychologist and consciousness expert, and Kevin Mitchell, a neuroscientist and geneticist, as they dive into the gripping debate on whether free will truly exists. They explore how consciousness, decision-making, and subconscious influences shape our choices, questioning traditional notions of identity and agency. With insights into the complexities of self, language, and even sports, they advocate for a compassionate understanding of behavior that goes beyond retribution. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey into the nature of human freedom!