Dear Participants and Keynote speakers,
On behalf of the organizers, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each one of you who took part in the 10th Cognitive Futures in the Arts and Humanities meeting in Catania 2024. Your presence and contributions made the event a truly enriching and memorable experience.
Throughout the conference, we had the privilege of delving into fascinating discussions, sharing innovative ideas, and exploring new horizons in the intersection of cognitive sciences, arts, and humanities. Your engagement, passion, and expertise played a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant atmosphere of intellectual exchange and collaboration that characterized the event.
We are truly grateful for your invaluable insights, thoughtful presentations, and active participation in the various sessions and activities. Your dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue is both admirable and inspiring.
As we reflect on the stimulating conversations and connections forged during the meeting, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies at the crossroads of cognitive inquiry and the arts and humanities. Your diverse perspectives and scholarly contributions have not only enriched our understanding but have also sparked new pathways for future research and exploration.
Thanks to all young researchers who took part in the interdisciplinary dialogue enriching collaboration and exchange of ideas.
Looking forward to the next year meeting, we send to all our warmest regards.
Federica Abramo, Renata Gambino, Grazia Pulvirenti And the “Angels”: Myriam Catalano, Alice Gaglio, Noelia Lo Magro, Arianna Toscano
Impressions of our event
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Giovanna Colombetti
Title
Against disinterest: implications of enactivism for cognition and aesthetic experience
About
A prominent figure in the world of cognitive science and philosophy, Prof. Colombetti specialises in the study of emotions and their influence on our experience and behaviour. Her work, at the interface of philosophy, psychology and neuroscience, has contributed significantly to the understanding of the role of emotions in human cognition. Prof Colombetti is known for her profound insights and innovative approaches to the study of affective processes.
Prof. Vittorio Gallese
Title
Emotions in action. A neuroscientific perspective
About
Prof Vittorio Gallese is one of the leading minds in neuroscience. He is a pioneer in the study of mirror neurons and has contributed significantly to our understanding of how the brain understands and empathises with other people's actions, emotions and sensations. His work has profound implications in various fields, from psychology to philosophy and neuroaesthetics. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach and his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in an understandable and engaging way. His research has not only revolutionised the field of neuroscience, but also offers new perspectives in art, literature and social science.
Prof. Hannah Chapelle Wojciehowski
Title
What Is Embodied Cognitive Microhistory
About
A distinguished academic and professor at the University of Texas. She is known for her in-depth research in medieval and early modern literature, with a particular focus on the intersections between literature, history, and visual culture. Her work is characterised by a unique combination of historical meticulousness and theoretical innovation, opening up new perspectives on the relationships between texts, images and cultural contexts. Prof Wojciehowski's ability to bring complex literary and cultural topics to life and make them accessible, coupled with her passion for interdisciplinary studies, makes her a fascinating and inspiring speaker.
Prof. Semir Zeki & Team (Samuel Rasche, Taylor Enoch)
Title
A New Approach to Aesthetics
About
Prof Semir Zeki is a world-renowned pioneer in the field of neuroscience. As a professor at University College London, he has led ground-breaking research in the field of neuroaesthetics, focusing in particular on visual perception and the neurobiological basis of beauty. His work exploring the fascinating connection between art, beauty and the human brain has revolutionised our understanding of how we perceive and process art and aesthetics.
Prof. Karin Kukkonen
Title
Creativity and Contingency: A 4/5 E Perspective
About
As a leading expert in the field of literary studies and cognitive poetics, Prof. Kukkonen has done groundbreaking work in exploring the intersections between literature, cognition and narrative theory. Her research, characterized by an innovative combination of literary analysis and cognitive science, has opened up new ways of understanding how stories influence the way we think, feel and perceive the world. Prof. Kukkonen, who teaches at the University of Oslo, is known for her ability to communicate complex theoretical concepts clearly and engagingly, and her work is an indispensable contribution to contemporary literary theory and criticism. Her presentation promises to offer profound insights into the dynamics between contingency and the practices of novelists in literary writing.
