Dr. Gregory Hickok — The Myth of Mirror Neurons

This lecture was recorded on September 21, 2014 as part of the series of over 350 Distinguished Science Lectures presented by the Skeptics Society since 1992. In this myth-busting talk based on his new book, U.C. Irvine cognitive scientist Dr. Gregory Hickok calls for an essential reconsideration of one of the most far-reaching theories in modern neuroscience and psychology. Ever since the discovery of mirror neurons in macaque monkeys in 1992 there has been a stream of scientific studies implicating mirror neurons in everything from schizophrenia and drug abuse to sexual orientation and contagious yawning. Drawing on a broad range of observations from work on animal behavior, modern neuroimaging, neurological disorders, and more, Dr. Hickok argues that the foundational assumptions fall flat in light of the facts. He then explores alternative explanations of mirror neuron function while illuminating crucial questions about human cognition and brain function: Why do humans imitate so prodigiously? How different are the left and right hemispheres of the brain? Why do we have two visual systems? Do we need to be able to talk to understand speech? What’s going wrong in autism? Dr. Hickok provides deep insights into the organization and function of the human brain and the nature of communication and cognition. Order The Myth of Mirror Neurons from Amazon: https://goo.gl/rR719i Learn more about the Distinguished Science Lectures Series https://www.skeptic.com/lectures/about/ Watch past Distinguished Science Lectures https://www.skeptic.com/lectures/ Learn about Science Salon, our new series of conversations between Dr. Michael Shermer and leading scientists, scholars, and thinkers, about the most important issues of our time. https://www.skeptic.com/science-salon... Watch past Science Salons https://www.skeptic.com/science-salon/ - - BECOME A PATRON You play a vital part in our commitment to promote science and reason. Your ongoing patronage will help ensure that sound scientific viewpoints are heard around the world.   / skeptic