Most of us believe that we are unique and coherent individuals, but are we?

The idea of a “self” has existed ever since humans began to live in groups and become sociable. Those who embrace the self as an individual in the West, or a member of the group in the East, feel fulfilled and purposeful. This experience seems incredibly real, but a wealth of recent scientific evidence reveals that this notion of the independent, coherent self is an illusion – it is not what it seems.

In this talk, Professor Bruce Hood reveals how the self emerges during childhood and how the architecture of the developing brain enables us to become social animals dependent on each other. You’ll learn how the self is the product of our relationships and interactions with others, and it exists only in our brains. Prof Hood argues, however, that though the self is an illusion, it is one that humans cannot live without.

In this talk, Dr Kevin Lu will explore Jung’s model of the psyche, with special attention to the definitive concepts differentiating analytical psychology from Freudian psychoanalysis. In particular, the talk will critically assess Jung’s formulation of the archetypal Self, which acts as the end goal of the individuation process.

While critiques of Jung’s search for universal patterns of human experience and action — which in turn may have limited his appreciation of the influence exerted by social and contextual factors — are duly noted, Dr Lu suggests that the true contribution of Jung’s psychology cannot be divorced from one of its major limitations:  it seeks to say something both general and specific about the human condition.  What Jung yearns for is not an imitation of old, worn out patterns, but a creative engagement with them that allows us to experience the fullness of life in all its complexities.

Ever society in human history, except ours, accepted the basic human need to lose control, go beyond the ego, and connect with something bigger than ourselves. This experience became known as ecstasy.

In this talk, Jules Evans explores various forms of ecstatic experience, argues that transcendence is good for us and through proper practice, can help us find healing, inspiration, connection and joy.

Drawing on personal experiences, the work of both ancient and modern philosophers and scientific and cultural research including interviews with radical Jihadis, the Bishop of London, Brian Eno and new-age Wizards, Jules examines how modern westerners find ecstatic experiences today, be it in churches, raves, galleries, sports, meditation and political movements, and what we can gain from mastering the art of losing control, in ways that are good for both us and for our society.