In this video Patricia Churchland introduces her work and discusses her most exciting current projects.

Read the transcript [PDF, 69KB]

Professor Churchland is a neurophilosopher based at the University of California, San Diego, whose research explores the impact of neuroscience on our understanding of human nature and morality. In conversation with AC Grayling she talked about the neurological basis of the self, social conflict and free will.

This autumn Wellcome Collection joined forces with the BBC World Service to host some of the biggest names in world science. AC Grayling, Professor of Philosophy at Birkbeck College, University of London, discussed the social impacts of their discoveries and the frontiers of scientific knowledge.

 

Glossary of terms used in this video.

Oxytocin is a hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is best known for its roles in birth and breastfeeding, and recent studies have begun to investigate oxytocin's role in various behaviours including orgasm, social recognition, pair bonding, anxiety, trust, love, and maternal behaviours.

Vasopressin is a hormone that regulates the body's retention of water. In high concentrations, it also raises blood pressure by inducing moderate vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). In addition, it has a variety of neurological effects on the brain, having been found, for example, to influence pair bonding in voles.

Endogenous opiates are endorphins produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus during strenuous exercise or excitement. They resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce natural pain relief and a feeling of well-being.

 

You can listen to the Exchanges at the Frontier broadcasts on the BBC's World Service website.