Ideas Roadshow Conversations
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The Power of Sympathy: Politics and Moral Sentimentalism
A Conversation with Michael Frazer
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Michael Frazer, Senior Lecturer in Political and Social Theory at the University of East Anglia. After a detailed discussion of Michael Frazer's upbringing and intellectual journey, the conversation explores the core ideas behind the sentimentalist theory as outlined in Prof. Frazer's book called The Enlightenment of Sympathy.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, More Than Reasonable, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. New York Origins- A very Woody Allen beginning
II. Sympathy- And how to use it
III. Different Tracks- Hume, Smith and Herder
IV. Disciplinary Boundaries- Political philosophy as Kurdistan
V. Bringing It Home- Moral sentiments in the real world
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Examining Time
A Conversation with Lee Simolin
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Lee Smolin who is a faculty member of Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. The basis of this wide-ranging conversation are Lee Smolin's books Life of the Cosmos and Time Reborn. This detailed discussion offers an investigation of time, both what it is and how the true nature of it impacts our world and future and provides behind-the scenes insights into the development of Lee Smolin's groundbreaking theory on the nature of time.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Full Circle, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Physics via Architecture - The power of Einstein
II. Justifying the Laws - Two possibilities
III. Collaboration - Physics meets politics
IV. Rolling Up Our Sleeves - Towards overcoming tautologies
V. Cosmological Natural Selection - Evolutionary details
VI. The Meta-law Dilemma - Harder and harder
VII. Scientific Impact - Implications, applications and responses
VIII. Making A Difference - The heart of the matter
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
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Autism: A Genetic Perspective
A Conversation with Jay Gargus
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jay Gargus, Professor of Physiology, Biophysics and Pediatrics and Director of the Center for Autism Research and Translation at UC Irvine. This wide-ranging conversation examines the recent explosion in our genetic understanding and its implications for the future of medicine, together with the importance of understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, in order to successfully treat a wide range of genetic disorders. Prof. Gargus focuses on autism, dispelling myths associated with the condition, advocating why a treatment should be actively pursued, and illustrating what we can learn from the recent breakthrough in cystic fibrosis research.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Machine Repair, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. The Lure of Genetics- Where the action was-and still is
II. Genetics 101- A basic overview
III. Towards Disease- Intervening in metabolic pathways
IV. Autism - Myths, current understanding and challenges
V. Pathways and Pleiotropy- Searching for mechanisms
VI. Reasons for Optimism- Streamlined bureaucracy and bold prognostications
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Applied Psychology: Thinking Critically
A Conversation with Stephen Kosslyn
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Stephen Kosslyn, a renowned psychologist and Founder, President and Chief Academic Officer of Foundry College.
This wide-ranging conversation explores Kosslyn and his colleagues' extensive analysis of research results on the differences between what the top parts of the brain and the bottom parts of the brain do and what the implications of those results are for everyday life, which led to a new theory of personality to better understand the way we think and behave, the so-called Theory of Cognitive Modes. In addition, the discussion covers how pedagogical principles were applied in the real world of learning and teaching by establishing Minerva Schools at KGI.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Synoptic Progress, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Only Communicate- The PowerPointing Professor
II. Top Brain, Bottom Brain- A new theory of personality
III. Beyond Theory- Testing the hypotheses
IV. Transforming Education- The Minerva Project
V. Making A Difference- Jumping to the front lines
VI. Surveying the Landscape- The evolution of cognitive science
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Constitutional Investigations
A Conversation with Linda Colley
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Linda Colley, the Shelby M.C. Davis 1958 Professor of History at Princeton University. Linda Colley is a renowned expert on British, imperial and global history since 1700. After inspiring insights about Linda Colley's teachers and professors who had a strong impact on her future career as a historian, this wide-ranging conversation provides a detailed examination of the global history and present state of constitutions and their impact.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Knowing the Rules, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Personal History- Grappling with identity
II. Constitutions, Part 1- Written and unwritten
III. Constitutions, Part 2- Use and abuses
IV. Implications and Applications- Legal ramifications, language and possible next steps
V. Marching Onwards- The future of the past
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China: Up Close and Persona
A Conversation with Karl Gerth
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Hwei-Chih and Julia Hsiu Chair in Chinese Studies and Professor of History at UC San Diego. This wide-ranging conversation covers the emerging American-style consumer culture of China, which is revolutionizing the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese, how it has transformed its economy and lifestyle and has the potential to reshape the world, and the different environmental issues that China is grappling with.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Full Circle, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Filling in the World- Young Karl heads abroad
II. History and Demography- A brief examination of what we mean by "modern China: and the importance, and possible origin, of China's large population
III. Contemporary China- Change at breakneck speed
IV. Environmental Issues- And, associated political aspects
V. Societal Values- And, how they are changing
VI. Catastrophic Scenarios- And, how they might be addressed
VII. Ever Onwards- Towards a deeper understanding
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In the Cards
A Conversation with Fred Gitelman
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Fred Gitelman, world-champion bridge player and co-founder of Bridge Base Online. This wide-ranging conversation provides behind-the-scenes insights into the world of professional bridge, the psychological stress of top-flight competition and how the human mind can compute amazing feats of memory.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Art of Competition, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Bridge Background- What it's all about
II. A Personal Perspective- Beginnings, partnerships, tournaments and memory
III. The Bridge Business- Educational software, online domination and special friends
IV. At the summit- Conquering the world and then reverting to type
V. Critical Times? -Demographics, gender and the future of bridge
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The Mind-Body Problem
A Conversation with Janko Tipsarevic
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Janko Tipsarevic, who is a former professional tennis player with a career-high singles ranking of world no. 8 and founder and CEO of Tipsarevic Tennis Academy in Belgrade, Serbia.
This conversation gives behind-the-scenes insights on what it takes to achieve excellence in professional sports, what mindset is needed to reach one's true potential and a penetrating and inspirational window into the psychology of professional tennis that resonates with all of us.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Giving Your All, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. On Nietzsche and Tennis - The dangers of too much perspective
II. Lost Opportunities - Reflections on vacuous press conferences
III. Commitment - More than just the hours
IV. Breaking Through - Leaving nothing back
V. Tennis as a Team Sport - Davis Cup and doubles
VI. Achieving Potential - Coaching and talent
VII. Winner Take All? - Spreading the wealth-or not?
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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How Social Science Creates the World
A Conversation with Mark Bevir
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and UC Berkeley political scientist Professor Mark Bevir, who is an internationally acclaimed expert in the theory of governance. This thought-provoking conversation explores how attempts to shoehorn political science into a natural science framework commonly fail and how correctly appreciating what social science is and does has a direct bearing on our everyday social lives.
By adopting the false belief that the social world is composed of some unchanging, fundamental entities on par with atoms or molecules-be they markets or classes or what have you-we will have no means of recognizing, or even describing, what happens when circumstances change and a new social dynamic is created.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, One of a Kind, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Creating a Political Philosopher - From mathematics to social science
II. The Power of Philosophy - How to change the world
III. What is Political Science, Anyway? - Science vs. interpretation
IV. Knowing One's Limits - Distinguishing heuristic utility from a scientific truth
V. Missing the Boat - Beyond outdated dichotomies
VI. Networks - What they are and how they arose
VII. Analyzing Governance - How social science makes the world
VIII. The Mechanisms of Influence - Investigating social traction
IX. From Theory to Practice - Appreciating a mix of strategies
X. Doing Things Better - The importance of listening
XI. Starting Over - A lone wolf takes charge, at least theoretically
XII. Going Global - Encouraging pluralism and open patterns
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
ebook
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Indiana Steinhardt and the Quest for Quasicrystals - A Conversation with Paul Steinhardt
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is, based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Paul Steinhardt, the Albert Einstein Professor of Science and Director of the Center for Theoretical Science at Princeton University. This extensive conversation provides a comprehensive account of a marvelous scientific adventure story in the quest for a natural quasicrystal. You will be taken on a fascinating ride through the physics of materials, from theory, to the laboratory, to the discovery of a new state of matter, that culminated in Paul Steinhardt's dramatic Siberian expedition.
Paul Steinhardt talks about his encounters with mineral smugglers, secret diaries and quasi-mythical characters during his "Indiana Jones" expedition from Florence to Israel, Amsterdam to California, Princeton to Kamchatka, which led him to find quasicrystals that are quite literally out of this world...
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Informed Authority, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Introducing Quasicrystals -Innovative symmetries through visual disharmonies
II. Building Models -Forcing forbidden symmetries
III. Out of the Blue -The real world intervenes
IV. Competing Explanations -A three-horse race
V. Looking to Nature -Developing a separation algorithm
VI. New Year's Delight -Persistence pays off
VII. Confronting the Impossible -Encountering rock-hard skepticism
VIII. Tracking Khatyrkite -Smoke, mirrors, and the holotype sample
IX. Kamchatka -Closure, and perhaps another beginning
X. Passing It On -How to keep the flame of science burning brightly
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The Problems of Physics, Reconsidered - A Conversation with Tony Leggett
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is, based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Physics Nobel Laureate Tony Leggett. The basis of this conversation is Tony Leggett's book The Problems of Physics and further, explores the insightful plain-speaking itemization that he developed of the physics landscape according to four basic categories, the very small (particle physics), the very large (cosmology), the very complex (condensed matter physics) and the very unclear (foundations of quantum theory) while providing a thoughtful follow-up analysis from a contemporary perspective to assess, how much progress we've made and which, mysteries remain or have, come on the scene, since the book was published.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Gentleman Laureate, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Back to the Future -Setting the Stage
II. The Very Small -Much the same
III. The Very Large -Cosmology
IV. A Glassy Digression -The perils of affirming the consequent
V. The Very Complex -Condensed matter physics meets quantum information
VI. Understanding -What it actually means
VII. Different Regimes -Nature's Scales
VIII. Schrödinger's Cat -Different domains?
IX. The Slings and Arrows of Time -Irreversible?
X. The Anthropic Principle -Better left unsaid?
XI. The Future of Physics -From Louis Armstrong to topological quantum computing
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Eating One's Own: Examining Civil War
A Conversation with David Armitage
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and intellectual historian David Armitage, the Lloyd C. Blanfein Professor of History at Harvard University. This conversation covers David Armitage's research on the history of ideas of civil war from Ancient Rome to the present. A salient feature of Armitage's work is a strong focus on etymology as it relates to our understanding of how people interpreted (or misinterpreted) and perceived events in history which results in a fascinating exploration of how our understanding of various concepts has been prejudiced by past societies and past beliefs that we might not even be aware of, and how they, in turn, go on to influence other societies; and how this cumulative process frames our understanding of these ideas.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Imagining the Possibilities, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Historical Origins - In search of multiple perspectives
II. The Semantic Archaeologist - Analyzing sedimented meanings
III. In Search of a Definition - Francis Lieber's "ticklish business"
IV. Bellum Civile - The Roman reference point
V. What Is To Be Done? - Applying historical understanding to the modern world
VI. Historical Relevance - More prevalent than often recognized
VII. Oceans of Possibilities - Future work.
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The Derveni Papyrus
A Conversation with Richard Janko
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Richard Janko, Gerald F. Else Distinguished University Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Michigan. This wide-ranging conversation covers Prof. Janko's research on the Derveni Papyrus, Europe's oldest surviving manuscript from the 4th century BCE and the most important text relating to early Greek literature, science, religion and philosophy to have come to light since the Renaissance.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Discovering the Past, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. A Great Discovery - Followed by unparalleled foot-dragging
II. Derveni Details - Setting the scene
III. An Ancient Culture War - Societal strains in the late 5th century Athens
IV. Rose-coloured Glasses? - Democratic biases
V. Summing Up - Mathematical philology and Herculaneum speculations
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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The Malleability of Memory
A Conversation with Elizabeth Loftus
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Elizabeth Loftus, renowned expert on human memory and Distinguished Professor of Psychological Science; Criminology, Law, and Society; Cognitive Science and Law at UC Irvine. This extensive conversation covers her ground-breaking work on the misinformation effect, false memories and her battles with "repressed memory" advocates, how getting expert memory testimony introduced in legal proceedings and the effect of DNA evidence on convincing judges of the problematic nature of eyewitness testimony.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Benefit of the Doubt, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Memory, Eventually - From mathematics to yellow birds
II. Legal Attraction - A critical lunch leads to the misinformation effect
III. Inside the Courtroom - Real witnesses, real cases, real effects
IV. The Landscape Shifts - DNA evidence and the winds of change
V. Inception - Implanting childhood mall trauma
VI. Confirmation - Extensive reproducibility
VII. The Temperature Mounts - Jane Doe and the podium defense
VIII. Sociological Speculations - How did we get there?
IX. Science and Pseudoscience - In search of hard evidence
X. Structural Reform - Learning from New Jersey
XI. Scanning Memories - Lies, deliberate lies, and statistics
XII. Increasing Awareness - From Sesame Street to Sweden.
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Byzantium: Beyond the Cliché
A Conversation with Maria Mavroudi
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Maria Mavroudi, Professor of History at UC Berkeley. Maria Mavroudi specializes in the study of the Byzantine Empire and this wide-ranging conversation explores her extensive research on the Byzantine Empire and how it has repeatedly been undervalued by historians despite its having been a military and cultural powerhouse for more than a millennium.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Beyond the High-School Narrative, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Becoming A Byzantinist - Inspiration and motivation
II. Historical Background - Byzantine beginnings
III. The High-School Narrative - History as a cultural mirror
IV. Recovering Truth - A never-ending goal
V. Building Knowledge - Standing on the shoulders of giants
VI. Annotated Discoveries - Leo the Mathematician, for example
VII. A Translational Discovery - From Arabic to Greek, surprisingly
VIII. Arrows of Causality - Consequential greatness
IX. Decline - A matter of opinion?
X. Extracting Meaning - Interpreting human experiences
XI. Ever-Moving Targets - Arab-Greek bilingualism and its implications
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
ebook
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Battling Protestants
A Conversation with David Hollinger
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and intellectual historian David Hollinger, UC Berkeley, and examines the unique role that different strands of religion have played in 20th-century American culture. The conversation examines intriguing aspects of the distinction between Ecumenical and Evangelical Protestantism, the often overlooked role of Ecumenical Protestantism in the history of the USA, secularization theory, the development of the two-party system, the role of missionaries, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Exception that Proves the Rule?, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Diverging Protestants: Ecumenical vs. Evangelical
II. Drifting towards Secularism? American religious exceptionalism
III. Often Overlooked: Reinhold Niebuhr's Legacy
IV. The Missionary Position: Encounters with The Other
V. Demographic Diversification: Cosmopolitan spies and other issues
VI. William James: Interpretations and misinterpretations
VII. Strident Atheists: Evangelism 2.0
VIII. An Empty Stage: America's intellectual exchange deficit
IX. Future Speculations: Pushing a historian out of his comfort zone
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
ebook
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Apocalypse Then: The First Crusade
A Conversation with Jay Rubenstein
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jay Rubenstein, Professor of History and Director of the Center for the Premodern World at the University of South Carolina, which provides us with fascinating insights into medieval society.
How did the First Crusade happen? What could have suddenly caused tens of thousands of knights, commoners and even nuns at the end of the 11th century to leave their normal lives behind and trek thousands of miles across hostile territory in an unprecedented vicious and bloody quest to wrest Jerusalem from its occupying powers?
Jay Rubenstein, historian of the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual worlds of Europe in the Middle Ages at USC, carefully explores those questions based on his extensive research while discussing the Apocalypse: the crusaders' sincere belief that the end of the world was approaching and their opportunity to participate in the last stage of the divine plan.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Glorious End, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Becoming a Medievalist - Suddenly fashionable
II. Guibert of Nogent - From overlooked to oversimplified
III. Armies of Heaven - Subheading
IV. Considering Impact - On history and historians
V. Moving On - Or perhaps not.
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Astrophysical Wonders
A Conversation with Scott Tremaine
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Scott Tremaine, Professor Emeritus of Astrophysics at the Institute for Advanced Study and an internationally renowned expert in both galactic-scale and planetary-scale astronomy. Topics that are part of this extensive conversation include the process of scientific discovery, in particular related to comets, Pluto, planetary rings, shepherding satellites, exoplanets, chaos theory and the formation, stability and uniqueness of our solar system.
Further topics include galactic-scale astronomy, galaxy formation, dark matter, quasars, black holes, the large-scale structure of the universe and many outstanding open questions of contemporary astrophysics.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, On Butterflies and Fish, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Personal Reflections - Astrophysical origins and research-administration balance
II. Exoplanetary Insights - Looking beyond to assess our uniqueness
III. Puzzles and Solutions - Solar system formation and shepherding moons
IV. Rings, Comets and Pluto - Mysteries, discoveries and evolving definitions
V. Investigating Stability - Considering past and future
VI. Large-scale Issues - Colliding galaxies and dark matter
VII. Black Holes - Different types, different evidence and open questions
VIII. Fundamental Questions - The need to stay in contact with experiment
IX. Concluding Thoughts - Public policy and capitalizing on the moment
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website (https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/).
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Embracing Complexity
A Conversation with David Cannadine
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and eminent historian David Cannadine, Princeton University. This thoughtful conversation includes an examination of different aspects of the societal role of both history and historians while rejecting the simplifying distortions of the historical record that we are regularly presented with. David also provides behind-the-scenes insights into several of his bestselling books, including The Undivided Past: Humanity Beyond Our Differences.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Imposing Order, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Finding One's Historical Feet- Merging subjective and objective
II. The Art of Biography- Trevelyan, Mellon, George V and more
III. The Undivided Past- The origins of a deliberately provocative venture
IV. Transcending Parochialism- The value of history
V. Categorical Examinations- The utility of boxes
VI. Historical Broadening- Changing practices
VII. What to Do, Part I- Advising presidents and educating Princetonians
VIII. What to Do, Part II- Harnessing technology
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The Two Cultures, Revisited
A Conversation with Stefan Collini
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
The 'Two Cultures' debate of the 1960s between C.P. Snow and F.R. Leavis is one of the most misunderstood intellectual disputes of the 20th century. Most people think that the debate only revolved around the notion that our society is characterized by a divide between two cultures — the arts or humanities on one hand, and the sciences on the other. This book is based on an extended conversation between Howard Burton and University of Cambridge intellectual historian Stefan Collini which provides a careful examination and illuminating insights of what the issues really were in this debate.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Returning to the Source, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Cultural Assumptions - On the benefits of reading
II. Saving the World - C.P. Snow's moral agenda
III. "Literary Osteoporosis" - Scientists vs. "literary intellectuals"
IV. Into the Mainstream - Snow becomes a sage
V. Enter F.R. Leavis - Questioning authority
VI. Combatting Clichés - The Industrial Revolution and challenging prose
VII. The Fallout - Immediate and longer-term effects
VIII. Lessons Learned? - Examining Leavis' impact
IX. What Are Universities For? - Appreciating unique strengths
X. Constructive Engagement - Critical inquiry and watching one's language
XI. The Humanities vs. The Sciences - Ruminations on progress
XII. General Implications - The ongoing relevance of The Two Cultures
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
ebook
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Solar Impact: Climate and the Sun
A Conversation with Joanna Haigh
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Joanna Haigh, Professor Emerita of Atmospheric Physics at Imperial College London. After inspiring details about how she got into her field of study and how we can encourage more girls to get more interested in science, the conversation examines her research of the influence of the sun and solar variability on our climate, how energy emitted by the Sun in the form of heat, light and ultraviolet radiation warms the earth and drives our climate, how data from satellites and modelling the processes helps us distinguish the warming effects of greenhouse gases from those of natural variations in solar energy, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Confronting Complexity, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Meteorological Beginnings -Joanna finds her niche
II. Science and Gender -Different disciplines, different stories
III. A Curious Correspondence -Examining the link between temperature and solar variation
IV. Considering the Earth -A changing orbit and changing tilt
V. Considering the Sun -Looking at the solar cycle
VI. The Big Picture -More than just the sun
VII. Examining the Details -Recreating the weather, more or less
VIII. Getting The Word Out -Increasing public awareness
IX. Public Policy -From words to acts
X. Final Thoughts -Towards a better future
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In Search of a Mechanism: From the Brain to the Mind
A Conversation with Chris Frith
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Chris Frith, Emeritus Professor of Neuropsychology at University College London and Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Study, University of London. After an interesting exploration of how Chris Frith became interested in the study of schizophrenia, this detailed conversation examines topics such how our understanding of schizophrenia has evolved, the role of dopamine, how the brain works, the brain's predicting role, the phantom limb phenomenon, how the brain and mind link up, how culture affects the brain and much more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Eyes on the Prize, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Becoming a Psychologist -From "min and crys" to schizophrenia
II. Probing Agency -Predictions, tickling and dopamine
iii. The Active Brain -The principal actor in the theatre of experience
IV. Ideal Bayesian Operators -How our brains trump our minds
V. In Search of a Mechanism -How to connect the subpersonal with the personal
VI. Humanistic Hubris -Dancing bees, stripping pine cones and The Royal Society
VII. Free Will -And what it means
VIII. The Very Big Picture -Towards a grand unified theory of psychology?
IX. Final Thoughts -Schizophrenia treatment and open questions
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Our Human Variability
A Conversation with Stephen Scherer
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Stephen Scherer, the GlaxoSmithKline Research Chair in Genome Sciences at the Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto. Stephen Scherer discusses his lifelong passion for science that culminated in his groundbreaking discovery of copy-number variation. This conversation also covers his exciting work in autism research and how copy number variation brings us a deeper understanding of both human variability and disease.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, More Things in DNA, Horatio..., and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. James Watson's Legacy - From The Double Helix to NRC to chromosome 7
II. In the Lab - The first hints of copy number variation
III. Chromosome 7 - Mapping genetic markers to chromosomes
IV. Back to Basics - Nucleotides, DNA, chromosomes, genes and mutations
V. Revolutionary Stirrings - Detecting copy number variation
VI. Going Global - Large-scale variation for all
VII. Variability and Evolution - Appreciating biological variability
VIII. Causes and Implications - Complexity galore: autism and other conditions
IX. Towards Treatment - Early diagnoses and equilibrium-restoring medicines
X. The Definition of Diseases - More complicated that you might think
XI. Probing Deeper - Stem cells, pleiotropy and environmental factors
XII. Ethical and Societal Issues - Towards responsible progress
XIII. Future Possibilities - Potentially unravelling biological complexity
XIV. Contact with Autism - Serendipitous occurrences
XV. Nobel Thoughts - The perks and perils of prizes
XVI. The Human Condition - Genetic windows on humanity
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
ebook
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Herculaneum Uncovered
A Conversation with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Director of Research and Honorary Professor of Roman Studies in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge. This wide-ranging conversation covers his fascinating archeological work done in Herculaneum and Pompeii, the politics of excavation, and life in the ancient Roman world.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Historical Value, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. What We Know - History and geology
II. Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie - Exploring historical motivations
III. Exploring Roman Society - Housing, slavery, citizenship and status
IV. Herculaneum vs. Pompeii - Different eyes on the past
V. The Future of the Past - Excavation, preservation and spending effectively
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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Perspectives on Mass Communication
A Conversation with Denis McQuail
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
Perspectives on Mass Communication is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Denis McQuail (1935-2017), who was Emeritus Professor at the University of Amsterdam and Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential scholars in the history of mass communication studies.
This wide-ranging conversation provides detailed insights into how examining the media, and in particular mass media, necessarily involves a careful, probing look at our societal values; the concepts, metrics and ideas that McQuail developed to measure the sociological influence of the media; the critical role of journalism in society and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, A Sense of Perspective, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Plunging into the Media- The beginnings of a unique career
II. Getting Rigorous- "Mass Communication Theory" arrives
III. Journalism and Society- Looking more broadly
IV. Bringing It Home- The view from the street
V. Towards the Future- Optimism and pessimism
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Mental Health: Policies, Laws and Attitudes
A Conversation with Elyn Saks
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Elyn Saks, Orrin B. Evans Distinguished Professor of Law, and Professor of Law, Psychology and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at USC. During this wide-ranging conversation, Elyn Saks candidly shares her personal experiences with schizophrenia and discusses the intersection of law, mental health and ethics: the legal and ethical implications surrounding mental health. Further topics include psychotropic medication and the law, criminalization and mental illness, mental health disorders in college and university, and an exploration of which countries are more progressive with respect to important mental health policies, laws and procedures.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, To Shorten the Odds, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. A Candid Admission- Writing The Center Cannot Hold
II. Deepening Understanding- Beyond stereotypes and misconceptions
III. Laws and Policies- Comparing the US with the UK
IV. Empathy- The missing link
V. Concrete Steps- What can be done?
VI. Summing Up- Elyn marches on
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Mind-Wandering & Meta-Awareness
A Conversation with Jonathan Schooler
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jonathan Schooler, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. This wide-ranging conversation examines how mind-wandering can serve as a window into the psychological world of meta-awareness. Further topics include the nature of consciousness, mindfulness, creativity, free will, verbal overshadowing and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Back to the Future, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Meta-Beginnings- Grappling with universal vagueness
II. Getting Precise- Definition and measurements
III. Brain-Wandering? -What's happening inside
IV. Creativity- Mind-wandering's upside
V. Responses- Views from the other side
VI. On the Wild Side- Free will and multiple universes
VII. Outstanding Issues- From the Decline Effect to an encouraging universe
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Cryptoreality
A Conversation with Artur Ekert
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Artur Ekert, Professor of Quantum Physics at the Mathematical Institute at the University of Oxford and Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies and Lee Kong Chian Centennial Professor at the National University of Singapore. Artur Ekert is best known as one of the pioneers of quantum cryptography. This wide-ranging conversation provides detailed insights into his research and covers many fascinating topics such as mathematical and physical intuition, a detailed history of cryptography from antiquity to the present day and how it works in practice, the development of quantum information science, the nature of reality, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Putting the Pieces Together, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Beginnings- Mathematics, physics and intuition
II. Cryptographic Essentials- From the ancient Greeks to the Cold War
III. Public Key Cryptosystems- Harnessing the difficulty factor
IV. Harnessing Interference- The power of quantum computers
V. Quantum Sociology- What is quantum information science, anyway?
VI. Quantum Metaphysics- And its concrete effects
VII. The Joy of Questioning- And the merits of being rebellious
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The Value of Voice
A Conversation with Nick Couldry
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Nick Couldry, Professor of Media, Communications and Social Theory in the Department of Media and Communications at the London School of Economics. This wide-ranging conversation explores how the media can be used as a filter to examine power structures, political movements, economic interests, democracy and our evolving notion of culture. Prof. Couldry conveys the importance of voice and the challenge posed by media institutions that order the social, political, cultural, economic, and ethical dimensions of our lives.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Looking into the Mirror, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Round the Houses- From Classics to Media Studies
II. Deconstruction- Probing the Media
III. Investigating Power- Political and economic issues
IV. The Future of Media- Ruminations and speculations
V. Ever Onwards- Listening to alarms, big data and making a difference
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Neurolaw
A Conversation with Nita Farahany
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Nita Farahany, Robert O. Everett Distinguished Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at Duke University. Nita Farahany is a leading scholar on the ethical, legal, and social implications of emerging technologies. This wide-ranging conversation examines the growing impact of modern neuroscience on the law, deepening our understanding of a wide range of issues, from legal responsibility to the American Constitution's Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Using our Heads, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Neurolegal Beginnings- From cadavers to courtrooms
II. Framing the Issues- Atypicalities, compulsion and plea bargaining
III. Ineffective Legal Counsel- Waking up to neuroscience
IV. Taking the Fifth- Neuroscience as a legal lens
V. Moral Ownership- Neuroscience and responsibility
VI. Administering Bioethics- Comparing different approaches
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The Power of Principles: Physics Revealed
A Conversation with Nima Arkani-Hamed
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Nima Arkani-Hamed, faculty member at the renowned Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Nima Arkani-Hamed is one of today's leading particle physicists. In this extensive Ideas Roadshow conversation Nima discusses how we discover the laws of nature, the "scientific method", the relation between theory and experiment and how we can push our understanding well beyond where experiments can currently reach. With his unbridled enthusiasm and engaging eloquence, Nima takes us inside the world of a working theoretical physicist, sharing his frustration at some of the ways that physics is communicated to the general public while revealing how he and his colleagues hope to be steered towards the truth without experiment to guide them.
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Critical Situations
A Conversation with Philip Zimbardo
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Philip Zimbardo, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Stanford University. During this extensive conversation Philip Zimbardo relates his intriguing life history and the survival techniques that he developed from the particular dynamics of his upbringing in the Bronx to his quarantine experiences, his experiences with South Bronx gangs, and more.
Further topics include his relationship with his former classmate Stanley Ingram and the impact the different experiences in his youth had on the development of his personal situational awareness and how that influenced his psychological research. After a detailed description of the notorious 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment, Philip discusses what we have-and haven't-learned since then, the Abu Ghraib trial, his Heroic Imagination Project, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Should Have Knowns, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Origins - Humble beginnings
II. A Formative Quarantine - Developing social survival skills
III. Increasing Awareness - South Bronx rituals and Halloween distinctions
IV. Situation Stanford - The 1971 Stanford Prison Study
V. The Aftermath - Reactions and responses
VI. Outright Denial - Abu Ghraib and the myth of "bad apples"
VII. Learning Our Lessons? - Towards a deeper level of awareness
VIII. The Flip Side - The Heroic Imagination Project
IX. Spreading The Word - Cultivate heroes, and broader understanding
X. A New Gender Gap - Where have all the boys gone?
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
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A Universe of Particles: Cosmological Reflections
A Conversation with Rocky Kolb
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Rocky Kolb, the Arthur Holly Compton Distinguished Service Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Chicago. After an inspiring story of how Rocky Kolb became interested in science, this wide-ranging conversation covers topics such as the development of and his work on inflationary cosmology, the Standard Model of particle physics, dark matter, dark energy, Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), the Large Hadron Collider, advice for high-school teachers to ignite a passion for learning in students, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Passion Principle, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Cool Beginnings - From the local library to Caltech
II. Cosmic Inflation - Alan Guth causes a stir
III. Dark Matter - Finally recognized ignorance
IV. Dark Energy - Particularly hard to swallow
V. Motivational Insights - The importance of passion
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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Democratic Lessons: What the Greeks Can Teach Us
A Conversation with Josiah Ober
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Josiah Ober, Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis Professor in Honor of Constantine Mitsotakis Professor of Political Science and Classics at Stanford University. This extensive conversation includes topics such as the serendipitous factors that led him to study the classical world, the insights that examining rhetoric provide about ancient Athenian society, and how social media might help us fruitfully recreate aspects of the past. Through an engaging dialogue format Josiah Ober discusses his insights that the ancient Athenians didn't just happen to stumble upon the idea of democracy-they somehow managed to make it work in practice for the better part of 200 years, all the while facing many of the same divisive societal pressures that we are currently grappling with.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Back to the Future, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Cutting One's Wisdom Teeth - How a girlfriend's dental work leads to Thucydides
II. Digging Deeper - Contrasting wars and lurking contradictions
III. Battling Iron Laws - Athenian democracy as a counterexample
IV. Feet to the Fire? - Using new and old media to keep politicians on point
V. Why Athens? - Addressing elite capture and economic and political equality
VI. Dissent - Critiquing our system or our values
VII. Enter Aristotle - The perils of being a cat in a box
VIII. Increasing Eudaimonia - Improving democracy
IX. Dignity - An essential ingredient of a flourishing democracy
X. Keeping It Real - Engaging the general public with scholarly insights
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks.
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Cosmological Conundrums
A Conversation with Justin Khoury
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Justin Khoury, Professor of Physics at the University of Pennsylvania. This thoughtful, extensive conversation gives a window into the world of what a practicing, theoretical physicist cosmologist is doing all day long and examines a wide range of fascinating topics that his research covers such as the early universe, the Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy, Cosmic Microwave Background, the MOND (Modified Newtonian Dynamics) theory, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Into The Light, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Becoming A Physicist- The power of passion
II. The Victim of Its Success? -Swinging scientific pendulums
III. Periodically Fiery- Calculating colliding branes
IV. The CMB- Almost completely homogeneous
V. The Process of Discovery- Typically messier than you think
VI. Learning from History- Missing mass or missing theory?
VII. MOND vs. Dark Matter, Part I- Looking at galaxies
VIII. MOND vs. Dark Matter, Part II- Dark matter roars back
IX. Why Not Both? -The liquid helium analogy
X. Dark Energy- Vacuum energy and the cosmological constant problem
XI. Personal vs. Professional- The scientist as childlike iconoclast
XII. Revolutionary Rumblings- Cosmology's Golden Age
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Improving Human Rights
A Conversation with Emilie Hafner-Burton
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth, filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Emilie Hafner-Burton, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of International Justice and Human Rights at UC San Diego and co-director of the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation at the School. This extensive conversation covers topics such international law, when and why international laws work and don't work, the international human rights system and concrete measures that could be taken to improve it, the International Criminal Court, and the role of states in the protection of human rights.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Making a Difference, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Forging a Path - An unconventional route to the UN
II. Shifting Perspectives - Considering the data
III. Who Decides? - The perils of implementation
IV. Going Public - Towards an open exchange
V. Fundamental Questions - Incentives and justifications
VI. The International Criminal Court - Past present and future
VII. Norm Saturation - Beyond rules and procedures
VIII. Reform - Marginal and non-marginal changes
IX. Getting Concrete - Towards meaningful progress
X. Stewardship - How states can have a positive impact
XI. Reactions and Responses - Examining opposing views
XII. Public Engagement - Media bias and joint opportunities.
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Minds and Machines
A Conversation with Miguel Nicolelis
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Miguel Nicolelis, Professor of Neurobiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering, Psychology and Neuroscience and Orthopaedic Surgery and Co-Director of the Center for Neuroengineering at Duke University. This thought-provoking conversation dives into Miguel Nicolelis' extensive and important research for over 20 years now and how he has been blurring the line between science fiction and science fact, developing increasingly sophisticated ways of harnessing the thoughts of rats, monkeys and humans to drive mechanical devices in the rapidly emerging field of brain-machine interfaces. As he continues to explore how best to apply this fascinating technology to liberate paralysis victims and Parkinson's sufferers from their neurological constraints, Nicolelis remains focused on challenging conventional wisdom of what the brain is and how it works, consistently probing the evolving frontier between body and mind.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, From Science Fiction to Science Fact, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Revolutionary Rumblings - Beyond 1:1 maps
II. Plowing Ahead - Pivotal results and scientific scepticism
III. Interface - Powering robots with monkey minds
IV. Against Reductionism - The pernicious influence of physicists
V. Incarnating Our Surroundings - How the brain blurs "outside" and "inside"
VI. Imposing Representations - How the brain interacts with the world
VII. Distributed vs. Local - The big issue
VIII. Technological Applications - From medical rehabilitation to a joint operating system
IX. Getting Metaphysical - The brain as a reality-mediator
X. Final Questions - Big ones, dark ones and ontological ones
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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Democracy: Clarifying the Muddle
A Conversation with John Duun
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and renowned political theorist John Dunn, University of Cambridge. Through an engaging dialogue format, John Dunn candidly shares his deep insights on the historical development and current significance and future of democracy in different parts of the world and the relevance of political science departments in achieving democracy and other worthwhile goals.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Democratic Daze, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Illusions and Confusions -Unmasking American stereotypes
II. Historical Examinations -The power of etymology
III. Thinking Deeper -Minimizing political bads
IV. Trust and Belief -Thinking critically
V. China -Challenging Western ideals?
VI. India -The world's largest democracy
VII. Power to the People -Overthrowing autocracy and what happens next
VIII. Towards Progress -Why we should care about all of this
IX. Professional Indulgence -Critically examining "political science"
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Philosophy of Brain
A Conversation with Pat Churchland
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and neurophilosopher Pat Churchland, UC San Diego. Pat Churchland has done extensive research in the fields of philosophy of neuroscience, philosophy of the mind and neuroethics. During this mind-stretching conversation Pat explores how the brain works, how we are able to represent the external world of objects and our inner world of thoughts, self and consciousness.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Of Mice and Men, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
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The Science of Siren Songs: Stradivari Unveiled
A Conversation with Joseph Curtin
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and master violin maker and acoustician Joseph Curtin, recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. This in-depth conversation explores Curtin's long quest to characterize the sound of a Stradivari violin and the rigorous series of double-blind tests he and his colleagues developed to probe whether or not professional musicians can really tell the difference between a Stradivari and a modern violin. The conversation also covers violin acoustics and how Joseph Curtin marries acoustic science to the art of violin making and merges time-honoured techniques with new materials and design.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Finding What You're Looking For, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Finding One's Niche - Becoming a violin maker
II. Confronting Biases - Measuring a mystery
III. Characterizing Sound - Towards objectivity
IV. Making Modern Violins - In search of a new aesthetic
V. The Future Awaits - Digital violins, new books and more
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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Vision and Perception
A Conversation with Kalanit Grill-Spector
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Kalanit Grill-Spector, Professor in Psychology and the Stanford Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University. Kalanit Grill-Spector is a vision specialist with a background in computational neuroscience. Her research examines how the brain processes visual information and perceives it. This extensive conversation explores how functional imaging techniques are used to visualize the brain in action and how it functions to recognize people, objects and places. Kalanit also discusses how the anatomical and functional properties of the brain change from infancy to childhood through adulthood, and how this development is related to improved visual recognition abilities.
Further topics include Kalanit Grill-Spector's discovery of a particular face-selective region in the brain, her groundbreaking research related to the neural processing of this particular region and the fascinating experiments that she has been involved with that suggest that there is indeed a strong causal link between that region and our facial recognition perception.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Facing Facts, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Neuroimaging - A transformative technology
II. Discovering Her Passion - A glimpse of the joy of vision
III. Vision Unveiled - Our current understanding
IV. Experimental Evidence - Many discoveries; even more to do
V. A Startling Result - Stumbling upon specialized hardware
VI. Neuroplasticity - Assessing flexibility
VII. The Road Ahead - Better measurements, better models, deeper understanding
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website (https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/).
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Turning the Mirror: A View From the East
A Conversation with Pankaj Mishra
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and award-winning writer Pankaj Mishra.
They discuss several of Pankaj's books, including From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia and An End To Suffering: The Buddha In The World, and his motivations behind them.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Weight of History, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. A Different Perspective- Unknown intellectuals and overlooked worldviews
II. Demanding a Response- Reacting to an existential challenge
III. Inseparable Factors?- Capitalism, imperialism and modernity
IV. East and West- A meaningful distinction?
V. Discovering Buddhism- Transcending false stereotypes
VI. Personal Examinations- Growing up Western in the East
VII. At an Impasse- The end of an experiment
VIII. Learning From the Past- The benefits of increased historical understanding
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Exploring Autism
A Conversation with Uta Frith
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and one of the world's leading experts on autism Uta Frith, Professor of Cognitive Development at University College London. Topics that are examined in this extensive conversation are what autism actually is, the reasons behind the increased number of diagnoses over the last few years, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger's syndrome, mentalizing, brain imaging to research the cognitive and neurobiological bases of autism and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Autistic Condition, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Assessing the Landscape- An autism epidemic?
II. Searching for a Definition- Innate vs. conscious understanding
III. A Stunning Result- Learning from dolls
IV. Looking Inside- Brain-imaging technology and its impact
V. Vaccines- Correlation vs. causation
VI. Probing the Spectrum- Big and little pictures
VII. Gender- A provocative speculation
VIII. Ways Forward- Some concrete approaches
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SETI: Astronomy as a Contact Sport
A Conversation with Jill Tarter
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on, an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jill Tarter, Chair Emeritus for SETI Research at SETI Institute and Former Director of the Center for SETI Research. Astronomer Jill Tarter has spent the majority of her professional life driving forward the science and technology of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, rigorously scanning the sky for the signs of some signal sent to us from outer space. This wide-ranging conversation explores the history of the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence, what the present state is of our quest for signals from other planets, what those signals might look like and how we can interpret them, and how SETI research has a surprisingly positive effect on other technologies.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Searching for "What Is", and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Introducing SETI- The benefits of not growing up
II. A Sense of Scale- Getting the big picture
III. Detection- Examining the details
IV. Suddenly Relevant- Scientific serendipity and holding up a mirror
V. Reaching Out- Globally
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On Atheists and Bonobos
A Conversation with Frans de Waal
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and primatologist Frans de Waal, Emory University, who is renowned for his work on the behaviour and social intelligence of primates. This thought-provoking conversation examines fascinating questions such as: Are we born with an innate sense of "the good"? Do we learn from others what is "wrong"? Does religion determine, or is it a result of, morality?
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Aping Morality, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Denying Our Inner Animal - Cartesian dogs, religious baggage and false dichotomies
II. Morality and Evolution - Between chimpanzees and bonobos
III. The Demise of Veneer Theory - Science discovers human cooperation and empathy
IV. The Roots of Religion - A sociological approach
V. Community Concern - Chimpanzee groups and Golden Rules
VI. Beyond Theatrics - Reconciling science, religion and mortality
VII. American Exceptionalism - Speculations on religiosity
VIII. Testing Morality - Fairness, cooperation, risk-taking and more
IX. Reasons for Optimism - Positive behaviour throughout the animal world
X. Breaking Down Barriers - Towards species continuity.
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Ocean Enlightenment
A Conversation with Edie Widder
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Edie Widder, Founder, CEO and Senior Scientist at Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA). After an inspiring story about how Edie Widder became a seagoing marine biologist and deep-sea diver, this conversation covers topics such as bioluminescence which is a fascinating scientific phenomenon that provides us with a deeper understanding of fundamental biological processes and the development of new programs designed to equip a new generation with the tools they need to deal with the environmental devastation we're facing.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, From Sea to Shining Sea, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Bright Beginnings - Underwater awesomeness and environmental opportunities
II. Bioluminescence - Evolution in action
III. The Eye-in-the-Sea - Glimpsing the unseen
IV. Grappling with a Coastline Crisis - Measuring toxicity and creating pollution maps
V. Kids to the Rescue - A reason for optimism
Vi. Existential Challenges - Global concerns and worthy precedents
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series:
This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.
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Deconstructing Genius
A Conversation with Darrin McMahon
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and intellectual historian Darrin McMahon, Dartmouth College. The word "genius" evokes great figures like Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Mozart but what quintessential quality unites these individuals? Can we measure it? Can we create it? This thoughtful conversation explores Darrin's research on the evolution of genius from Plato to Einstein in an effort to illuminate what our evolving genius mythology reveals about the rest of us.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Something to Declare, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Opening Up Sightlines - The genius of intellectual history
II. The Equality Paradox - Some more equal than others?
III. Towards The Dark Side - The genius as rule-breaker
IV. Romantic Genius - Reinvented, suffering and zealous
V. Nature vs. Nurture - A threat to equality?
VI. Evil Genius - The other side of the coin
VII. Geniuses Everywhere - The superhuman condition?
VIII. The Future of Genius - Next steps
IX. Gradually Expanding - Genius as cultural phenomenon
X. The Science of Genius - Brainology and other tales.
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Inflated Expectations: A Cosmological Tale
A Conversation with Paul Steinhardt
by Howard Burton
Part of the Ideas Roadshow Conversations series
This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Paul Steinhardt, the Albert Einstein Professor of Science and Director of the Center for Theoretical Science at Princeton University. He is one of the originators of the theory of cosmic inflation and has become one of its fiercest critics. This fascinating conversation covers topics such as Paul Steinhardt's scientific development, his formative experiences at Caltech including his encounters with Richard Feynman, his development and later skepticism of the theory of cosmic inflation, the response of the scientific community to the failure of this theory, his theory of cosmology, The Ekpyrotic Universe, and more...
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Not Even Wrong, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Scientific Beginnings- Marie Curie, Richard Feynman, and finding one's path
II. Inflationary Excitement- A captivating talk and subsequent insights
III. Progress, Tuned Appropriately- The Nuffield Workshop and its aftermath
IV. Two Major Issues- The initial value problem and eternal inflation
V. Cosmological Denial- Resolutely clinging to a good story
VI. Bouncing Back?- Considering a key change