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Conversations on Consciousness: What is consciousness?
What does it mean to say ‘I am’? Is the sense of subjectivity a delusion? Are only humans conscious? What about whales, AI, and electrons? How should we use our consciousness?
All these questions, and many others, will be examined by expert speakers in conversation with one another and with the audience in this 3-part symposium series.
In this first event on 29 Jan, we will examine whether consciousness can be defined, and if so, what that definition should be. Three short talks will provide a range of expert perspectives on these questions, followed by Q&A with the audience.
Susan Blackmore (Psychology, University of Plymouth)
Why are we deluded about consciousness?
Paul Pettitt (Archaeology, Durham University)
What was consciousness in the Ice Age? Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons and the emergence of art.
Ole Jensen (Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford)
An adversarial collaboration to evaluate theories of consciousness.
Date:
29 January 2026, 17:30
Venue:
Cohen Quadrangle, Walton Street OX1 2HD
Venue Details:
Fitzhugh Auditorium
Speakers:
Prof Susan Blackmore (University of Plymouth),
Prof Paul Pettitt (Durham University),
Professor Ole Jensen (University of Oxford)
Organising department:
Exeter College
Organisers:
Professor Charles Foster,
Associate Professor Kerry Walker (DPAG, University of Oxford)
Part of:
Conversations on Consciousness
Booking required?:
Not required
Audience:
All University members, Alumni, and their guests are welcome to attend
Editor:
Kerry Walker
