The brain with David Eagleman. 3, Who's in control?.

Date:
2016
  • Videos

About this work

Description

Episode Three - Who's In Control? This episode investigates the role of the unconscious in controlling our physical movements, as well as our decision making. Presenter David Eagleman exhibits how the unconscious mind manages the operation of the human body, using examples of fast responses and everyday physical tasks. He describes the role of the cerebellum. He then visits Ian Waterman, who experienced a full body lack of sensitivity after contracting a virus. Eagleman and Champion Cup Stacker Austin Naber are fitted with an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor and compare conscious and unconscious brain activity whilst stacking cups. Eagleman explores the brain’s ability to run on autopilot. He visits Free Solo Climber Dean Potter, who describes how he climbs whilst in a flow state. Eagleman and Psychoanalyst Ruth McCall explain Sigmund Freud’s theory of the sub-conscious. Eagleman then describes an experiment run in the 1960s by Eckhard Hesse, involving judging facial expressions. He goes on to explain the purpose of the conscious mind. Psychologist Dr Graham Turrall and Defence Lawyer Marlys Edwardh, recount an incident in which Ken Parks murdered his mother-in-law whilst sleepwalking. Eagleman explains the relationship between the environment of an individual and their genetic makeup. Professor Alvaro Pascual-Leone discusses the issues surrounding brain activity and the concept of free will. He goes on to explain transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and how it can be used to explore free will.

Publication/Creation

2016.

Physical description

1 DVD (60 min.) : sound, colour ; 12 cm

Notes

Originally broadcast on 4th February 2016 on BBC 4.
A six part series in which David Eagleman explores how the brain takes in information and uses it to construct human concepts, such as personality and reality.

Creator/production credits

Producer/Director Nic Stacey.
Written and presented by David Eagleman.

Copyright note

Blink Films for PBS in association with BBC.

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    5824D

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