Talks and shows

A journey into consciousness

Join award-winning science journalist Michael Pollan to explore the mystery of consciousness, with a discussion of the mind with Anil Seth.

Allen Lane

The fact that each of us has a subjective experience of the world continues to be one of the greatest mysteries in nature. How is it that what goes on the brain is accompanied by feelings, by thoughts and by a sense of self? How far is consciousness, or at least sentience and some level of selfhood, shared amongst animals, and even plants? Is the whole of the natural world alive with agency?

Renowned writer Michael Pollan will be in conversation with the celebrated neuroscientist Anil Seth for a unique evening investigating consciousness, weighing up the scientific study with the philosophical debate, exploring the latest in cognitive science in a discussion spanning the biggest questions facing the study of the mind.

Michael’s new book A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness will be available for purchase after the talk.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

This is an event at the Ri. 

About Michael Pollan

Image of Michael Pollan
Christopher Michel

Michael Pollan is an award-winning author, activist and journalist. His international bestselling books about the way we live today - including How to Change Your Mind, This is Your Mind on Plants, In Defence of Food and The Omnivore’s Dilemma- combine meticulous reporting with anthropology, philosophy, culture, health and natural history. Time magazine has named him one of the hundred most influential people in the world.

About Anil Seth

Image of Anil Seth
Ramon Haindl

Anil Seth is Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience and Director of the Centre for Consciousness Science at the University of Sussex. He is also Co-Director of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Program on Brain, Mind and Consciousness and a European Research Council Advanced Investigator. He has published more than 200 research papers and has been recognized by Web of Science, over several years, as being in the top 0.1% of researchers worldwide. His 2017 TED talk has been viewed over fifteen million times. In 2023 he was awarded the Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize, and in 2024 Prospect Magazine listed him as one of the Top 25 global thinkers.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

There will be a quiet space/prayer room on the day which is open to all visitors. 

There will be a SENsory Den on the day which is open to all visitors. 

Event terms and conditions

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