Computational Neuroscience InitiativeBarchi Library, 140 John Morgan Building
John Medaglia
Department of Psychology
University of Pennsylvania
Mind Control: Frontiers in Guiding the Mind
The human brain is a complex network that supports mental function.The nascent field of network neuroscience applies tools from mathematics to neuroimaging data in the hopes of shedding light on cognitive function. A critical question arising from these empirical studies is how to modulate a human brain network to treat cognitive deficits or enhance mental abilities. One promising and as-yet-underexplored approach lies in a subdiscipline of engineering known as network control theory. Here, I posit that network control fundamentally relates to mind control, and that this relationship highlights important areas for future empirical research and opportunities to translate knowledge in practical domains. I clarify the conceptual intersection between neuroanatomy, cognition, and control engineering in the context of network neuroscience. Finally, I discuss the challenges, ethics, and promises of mind control.
A pizza lunch will be served at 12:00pm. The talk will begin at 12:15pm.