Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The global brainweb: An update on global workspace theory

The idea that consciousness has an integrative function has a long history. The late Francisco Varela and colleagues called it the "brainweb" (2002). Global Workspace theory suggests a fleeting memory capacity that enables access between brain functions that are otherwise separate.


The global brainweb: An update on global workspace theory

Monday, June 20, 2011

Beyond Autopoiesis Inflections of Emergence and Politics in Francisco Varela's work



Francisco Varela’s work is a monumental achievement in 20th century biological and biophilosophical thought. After his early collaboration in neo-cybernetics with Humberto Maturana (“autopoiesis”), Varela made fundamental contributions to immunology (“network theory”), Artificial Life (“cellular automata”), cognitive science (“enaction”), philosophy of mind (“neurophenomenology”), brain studies (“the brainweb”), and East- West dialogue (the Mind and Life conferences). In the course of his career, Varela influenced many important collaborators and interlocutors, formed a generation of excellent students, and touched the lives of many with the intensity of his mind, the sharpness of his wit, and the strength of his spirit


Beyond Autopoiesis Inflections of Emergence and Politics in Francisco Varela's work

Monday, June 6, 2011

The Embodiment of Life: The Legacy of Francisco Varela (1946-2001)

Francisco Varela was one of the most innovative and influential cognitive scientists of the last 50 years. His unique ability to blend deep knowledge of neuroscience, European philosophy and Tibetan Buddhism has had a profound affect on our understanding of the immune system, embodied cognition, and the relationship between brain and consciousness. To mark the 10th anniversary of his untimely death, this symposium brings together some of those who knew Francisco and explores the way his work continues to guide investigations of human nature of many different kinds.



June 2011 Birley Lecture Theatre - Cente

The Embodiment of Life: The Legacy of Francisco Varela (1946-2001)