EGENIS Lecture: "Why isn't there a philosophy of neurology?" Prof Vaughan Bell (UCL)
Egenis Lecture
This summer Egenis is excited to launch our annual Egenis Lecture series. These lectures will feature high profile guest speakers and address important topics that will be of interest across faculties. The first lecture on Tuesday 3 June will be delivered by Prof Vaughan Bell from University College London. Vaughan is a leading neuropsychologist who works in the NHS and is a regular writer for The Observer.
| An Egenis, the Centre for the Study of Life Sciences seminar | |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 June 2025 |
| Time | 15:30 to 17:00 |
| Place | Hybrid |
Event details
While the philosophy of psychiatry has flourished as a robust interdisciplinary field, the philosophy of neurology remains surprisingly underdeveloped. Philosophical questions within psychiatry often centre on conceptual foundations, diagnostic validity, and the complex interplay between biological and psychosocial factors. Neurology, despite dealing with equally complex phenomena has not generated an accompanying philosophical field, despite some existing although isolated examples of engagement. This talk will explore this asymmetry and suggests promising avenues for philosophical engagement with neurology. Our working group of both clinicians and academics has identified some key areas in which neurology raises important questions that could be addressed through philosophical analysis. This talk will discuss three. Namely, characterising the phenomenology of neurological conditions, examining the ontological status of neurological categories, and understanding identity and personality change after neurological damage.
Bio: Vaughan is an academic at UCL and a neuropsychologist in neuropsychiatry services in the NHS
Venue Streatham Court Lecture Theatre D
Virtual via Zoom
Registration deadline 2June 2025, 23:30 BST
Free to attend, Register here
