PUBLIC LECTURE November 3rd, 2022:

Prof. Georg NORTHOFF
University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research

(IMHR), Ottawa, Canada

What do brain and mind share?

Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC)

Abstract. Consciousness and its relation to the brain is one of the major mysterious and unresolved
scientific puzzles of our time. Various neuroscientific (and philosophical) theories of consciousness have
been proposed. However, despite major progress, the missing link connecting brain and mind, neural and
mental states, remains yet unclear. They key claim of the Temporo-spatial Theory of
Consciousness (TTC) is that that missing link consists in the spatial and temporal pattern or
structure, i.e. their topography and dynamic, which are shared by both neural and mental activity
as their “common currency”. Consciousness and its relation to the brain can then be explain in
temporo-spatial terms. The lecture will present the theoretical framework and various lines of empirical
support for the TTC. I conclude with a philosophical outlook how the TTC can resolve (rather than solve)
the famous hard problem of consciousness, that is, the seemingly unbridgeable gap of brain and mind.
.

Thursday, November 3rd, 16.05-17.40**

Venue: Auditorium 1, Georg Sverdrups Hus / Universitesbiblioteket, Blindern,
Moltke Moes vei 39 by Blindernveien, Oslo 0317
16.05: Welcome by J.F. Storm, University of Oslo
16.10: Georg NORTHOFF’s lecture: What do brain and mind share?
17.10-17.45: Discussion and questions from the audience

** Earlier during the day, professor Northoff will hold a more technical seminar on his theory (12.45 – 14.45) at Room L200, Domus Medica (Sognsvannsveien 9, Oslo). If you are interested in participating, please send an email to j.f.storm@medisin.uio.no.

Bio: Georg NORTHOFF is a German-born philosopher, neuroscientist and psychiatrist,
holding degrees in all three disciplines. He is now working in Ottawa/Canada investigating the
relationship between the brain and mind in its various facets, focusing on the question: why
and how can our brain construct subjective phenomena like self, consciousness, emotions?
He has developed the Temporo-spatial theory of consciousness (TTC) and published many
articles and books.