ESP Biography

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Some have claimed that in the universe, "there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pitiless indifference." Is that the deepest truth about reality? Or is there something really real about the beauty of a sunset? Is there such a thing as Truth? Are there Heroes and Villains, or do people simply do what is best in their own eyes and nothing more. We will explore the big ideas of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. We'll hear from the ancient Greeks and the Moderns. We'll look at cognitive science as well as neuroimaging to try to find the answers. I will present the case that, despite all the popular pessimism, the proper response to the Universe is Joy.

In the first century, Jesus of Nazareth started a movement that would change the world. It's a story that takes place in the colosseum of Rome, to the emperor's palace; from barbarian forests to glittering cathedrals; from the front lines of the Crusades to the nonviolent sit-ins of Dr. King. Creeds, Crusades, Cathedrals, Witch Hunts, Universities, Wars of Religion, will all be covered and put in historical context. We will look at key figures, events, and ideas from a variety of perspectives to try to understand the arc of Christian history and it's impact on the world.

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! *** A Note From the Splash Presidents: In discussion with our advisors and in agreement with Dr. Carreon, we have decided to cancel the class on suicide. All students previously enrolled in "Suicide: Why people die by it, and what we can do" have been re-enrolled in this class. For more information, you can contact us at stanfordesp@gmail.com. [Need help? Call 1 (800) 273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24/7. For that and other concerns, text "START" to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. For more resources, visit http://www.crisistextline.org/get-help-now/]

Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt? We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind. In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body. [For those who took this already, I am adding a number of slides on the science of placebo, too!]

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I’m modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :)

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

In the first century, Jesus of Nazareth started a movement that would change the world. It's a story that takes place in the colosseum of Rome, to the emperor's palace; from barbarian forests to glittering cathedrals; from the front lines of the Crusades to the nonviolent sit-ins of Dr. King. Creeds, Crusades, Cathedrals, Witch Hunts, Universities, Wars of Religion, will all be covered and put in historical context. We will look at key figures, events, and ideas from a variety of perspectives to try to understand the arc of Christian history and it's impact on the world.

Why do we do what we don't want to? Or not do what we want to? This class will explore the strange, universal human experience of being out of control of our actions. We'll look at big ways this happens with alcohol or drugs, but we'll also look at "behavioral addictions" like Facebook, nail-biting, pornography, gambling and cutting. We'll look at the basic science, as well as some of the ways people treat addictions, big and small.

The Science of Willpower From ancient sages to modern science, we'll talk about this most central of human virtues. Why don't we do what we want? Why do we procrastinate? Check FB? Eat more than we wanted? We'll talk about the neuroscience of it, the biochemistry of it, and the practice of it. We've been at this a long time, so you'll hear from the Greeks, Eastern sages, from modern scientists, and willpower Olympians. -Why your willpower is powered by sugar -The top exercises proven to increase your willpower -The crazy scientist who showed that willpower was like a muscle -People whose willpower puts us all to shame Whatever it is you want to accomplish, willpower will help you do it. And this class will help you build willpower.

What is meditation? Why do people believe in God? What’s it like to have an ecstatic experience? This course will talk about the latest science of religion, pulling in anthropological, psychological, and neurological perspectives. We’ll talk about why belief in something like God has been so darned persistent throughout human evolution. We’ll discuss what it’s like for a “believer,” and also take a look at religious brains in action. We’ll discuss both Western and Eastern experiences including prayer, ecstatic experience, meditation and ritual. We’ll also talk about practical take-home lessons we can learn from these extreme brain states. You’ll learn: -Why babies are religious. -What it's like to die. -What the “God spot” is in the brain and whether or not magnetic stimulation can cause religious experience. -The difference between mindfulness, meditation and prayer and why it’s important. -And more! [Warning: Close-minded people should not take this class. It will involve objectively evaluating the claims of various religious people]

What makes humans happy? Don't we all do whatever we think makes us happy? Yes, and we're often wrong. So then how do we get this most important of questions right? We will explore the big ideas on how to be awesome at life, from ancient Greece to the latest neuroscience. Hear about the best things thought and said about how to flourish as a person and live the Happy life.

Why do we do what we don't want to? Or not do what we want to? This class will explore the strange, universal human experience of being out of control of our actions. We'll look at big ways this happens with alcohol or drugs, but we'll also look at "behavioral addictions" like Facebook, nail-biting, pornography, gambling and cutting. We'll look at the basic science, as well as some of the ways people treat addictions, big and small.

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :)

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I’m modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt? We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind. In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body. [For those who took this already, I am adding a number of slides on the science of placebo, too!]

From Robin Williams to David Foster Wallace, from people far away to people we may know in the Bay Area, suicide is a reality of human life. This course will be a sober look at the condition that causes the deaths of more people than war, natural disaster and murder combined. We will discuss theories about why these feelings arise and are acted upon. We'll end with discussing what we can do socially and personally to make things better. [Need help? Call 1 (800) 273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24/7. For that and other concerns, text "START" to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. For more resources, visit http://www.crisistextline.org/get-help-now/ ]

What is meditation? Why do people believe in God? What’s it like to have an ecstatic experience? This course will talk about the latest science of religion, pulling in anthropological, psychological, and neurological perspectives. We’ll talk about why belief in something like God has been so darned persistent throughout human evolution. We’ll discuss what it’s like for a “believer,” and also take a look at religious brains in action. We’ll discuss both Western and Eastern experiences including prayer, ecstatic experience, meditation and ritual. We’ll also talk about practical take-home lessons we can learn from these extreme brain states. You’ll learn: -Why babies are religious. -What it's like to die. -What the “God spot” is in the brain and whether or not magnetic stimulation can cause religious experience. -The difference between mindfulness, meditation and prayer and why it’s important. -And more! [Warning: Close-minded people should not take this class. It will involve objectively evaluating the claims of various religious people]

Why do we do what we don't want to? Or not do what we want to? This class will explore the strange, universal human experience of being out of control of our actions. We'll look at big ways this happens with alcohol or drugs, but we'll also look at "behavioral addictions" like Facebook, nail-biting, pornography, gambling and cutting. We'll look at the basic science, as well as some of the ways people treat addictions, big and small.

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :)

Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt? We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind. In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body. [For those who took this already, I am adding a number of slides on the science of placebo, too!]

The Science of Willpower From ancient sages to modern science, we'll talk about this most central of human virtues. Why don't we do what we want? Why do we procrastinate? Check FB? Eat more than we wanted? We'll talk about the neuroscience of it, the biochemistry of it, and the practice of it. We've been at this a long time, so you'll hear from the Greeks, Eastern sages, from modern scientists, and willpower Olympians. -Why your willpower is powered by sugar -The top exercises proven to increase your willpower -The crazy scientist who showed that willpower was like a muscle -People whose willpower puts us all to shame Whatever it is you want to accomplish, willpower will help you do it. And this class will help you build willpower.

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I’m modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

What makes humans happy? Don't we all do whatever we think makes us happy? Yes, and we're often wrong. So then how do we get this most important of questions right? We will explore the big ideas on how to be awesome at life, from ancient Greece to the latest neuroscience. Hear about the best things thought and said about how to flourish as a person and live the Happy life.

What is meditation? Why do people believe in God? What’s it like to have an ecstatic experience? This course will talk about the latest science of religion, pulling in anthropological, psychological, and neurological perspectives. We’ll talk about why belief in something like God has been so darned persistent throughout human evolution. We’ll discuss what it’s like for a “believer,” and also take a look at religious brains in action. We’ll discuss both Western and Eastern experiences including prayer, ecstatic experience, meditation and ritual. We’ll also talk about practical take-home lessons we can learn from these extreme brain states. You’ll learn: -Why babies are religious. -What it's like to die. -What the “God spot” is in the brain and whether or not magnetic stimulation can cause religious experience. -The difference between mindfulness, meditation and prayer and why it’s important. -And more!

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites)

What motivates us? What systems in the brain drive us one way or another? Why did I just check Facebook again? In this talk, you’ll learn about sex (now I have your attention :P), addiction, pornography, drugs, altruism, self-control, and even the meaning of life. You’ll learn about how dopamine and oxytocin work and why they matter. You’ll also get some practical advice on ways to boost willpower, develop good habits and break bad ones.

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain.

Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt? We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind. In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body.

From ancient sages to modern science, we'll talk about this most central of human virtues. Why don't we do what we want? Why do we procrastinate? Check FB? Eat more than we wanted? We'll talk about the neuroscience of it, the biochemistry of it, and the practice of it. We've been at this a long time, so you'll hear from the Greeks, Eastern sages, from modern scientists, and willpower Olympians. -Why your willpower is powered by sugar -The top exercises proven to increase your willpower -The crazy scientist who showed that willpower was like a muscle -People whose willpower puts us all to shame Whatever it is you want to accomplish, willpower will help you do it. And this class will help you build willpower.

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life.

What makes humans happy? Don't we all do whatever we think makes us happy? Yes, and we're often wrong. So then how do we get this most important of questions right? We will explore the big ideas on how to be awesome at life, from ancient Greece to the latest neuroscience. Hear about the best things thought and said about how to flourish as a person and live the Happy life.

What is meditation? Why do people believe in God? What’s it like to have an ecstatic experience? This course will talk about the latest science of religion, pulling in anthropological, psychological, and neurological perspectives. We’ll talk about why belief in something like God has been so darned persistent throughout human evolution. We’ll discuss what it’s like for a “believer,” and also take a look at religious brains in action. We’ll discuss both Western and Eastern experiences including prayer, ecstatic experience, meditation and ritual. We’ll also talk about practical take-home lessons we can learn from these extreme brain states. You’ll learn: -Why babies are religious. -What it's like to die. -What the “God spot” is in the brain and whether or not magnetic stimulation can cause religious experience. -The difference between mindfulness, meditation and prayer and why it’s important. -And more! [Warning: Close-minded people should not take this class. It will involve objectively evaluating the claims of various religious people]

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites) [Warning: Not just a history class! We'll actually try to think scientifically]

What motivates us? What systems in the brain drive us one way or another? Why did I just check Facebook again? In this talk, you’ll learn about sex (now I have your attention :P), addiction, pornography, drugs, altruism, self-control, and even the meaning of life. You’ll learn about how dopamine and oxytocin work and why they matter. You’ll also get some practical advice on ways to boost willpower, develop good habits and break bad ones. If you’ve got behaviors you’d like to change, you should take this course! :)

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :)

Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt? We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind. In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body.

The Art and Science of Piloting Your Self From ancient sages to modern science, we'll talk about this most central of human virtues. Why don't we do what we want? Why do we procrastinate? Check FB? Eat more than we wanted? We'll talk about the neuroscience of it, the biochemistry of it, and the practice of it. We've been at this a long time, so you'll hear from the Greeks, Eastern sages, from modern scientists, and willpower Olympians. -Why your willpower is powered by sugar -The top exercises proven to increase your willpower -The crazy scientist who showed that willpower was like a muscle -People whose willpower puts us all to shame Whatever it is you want to accomplish, willpower will help you do it. And this class will help you build willpower.

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life.

Lots of people talk about what “Scientists say” and what is “experimentally proven”. We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word “science”? We’ll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You’ll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We’ll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you’ve got a brain, you should take this course! :) **Updated with new materials for Fall 2013!** Note: this course was extremely popular last Fall and Spring, so sign up soon!

Where did science come from? Who were the heroes who invented it? Why wasn't it invented sooner? In this class, we'll talk about the exciting story of how we went from alchemy to chemistry, from astrology to astronomy. We'll talk about the epic debate about whether it was the earth or the sun in the center of the universe, discussing the discoveries and politics involved. You'll hear about popes and kings, monks and bishops, and even a few professors. If that's not enough, I'll tell you: *Why practically nobody thought the earth was flat *How Galileo accomplished the greatest troll of all time *Why it's really hard to prove that the earth revolves around the sun (without satellites) [Warning: Not just a history class! We'll actually try to think scientifically]

Can a sugar-pill cause morphine release? Can hypnosis cure blindness? Can looks kill (literally)? Can getting shot not hurt? We'll talk about old history and new science developing around "mind-body" medicine, how your mind and brain affect your body in really interesting ways. We'll meet people with paralysis who can regain their movement, and blind people can regain their sight by the power of words. We'll see how the brain can produce pain completely independently of any "physical" cause. We'll discuss theories of how the brain might be involved in diseases like fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. If that's not enough, you'll learn about ritual executions that rely on the victim's expectation, and soldiers in WWII who get shot but don't seem to mind. In short, we'll explore the strange and perplexing frontier where Mind meets Body.

What motivates us? What systems in the brain drive us one way or another? Why did I just check Facebook again? In this talk, you’ll learn about sex (now I have your attention :P), addiction, pornography, drugs, altruism, self-control, and even the meaning of life. You’ll learn about how dopamine and oxytocin work and why they matter. You’ll also get some practical advice on ways to boost willpower, develop good habits and break bad ones. If you’ve got behaviors you’d like to change, you should take this course! :)

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What’s right and what’s wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what’s right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I’m modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You'll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. You’ll meet someone operating with half a brain (literally), people who built physical strength just by thinking about it, and people who rewired their brains and cured mental illnesses with the power of thought. We'll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you've got a brain, you should take this course! :) Note: this course was extremely popular in the Fall, so sign up soon!

What motivates us? What systems in the brain drive us one way or another? Why did I just check Facebook again? In this talk, you’ll learn about sex (now I have your attention :P), addiction, pornography, drugs, altruism, self-control, and even the meaning of life. You’ll learn about how dopamine and oxytocin work and why they matter. You’ll also get some practical advice on ways to boost willpower, develop good habits and break bad ones. If you’ve got behaviors you’d like to change, you should take this course! :) Rated PG-13 (for medical discussions on sex and pornography).

Lots of people talk about what "Scientists say" and what is "experimentally proven". We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word "science"? We'll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What's right and what's wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what's right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I'm modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

What is the brain? How does it work? How can I make it stronger? You'll learn about awesome experiments that show that the brain can be rewired, remolded and strengthened. From procrastination to daydreaming, neural networks and willpower, we'll cover what you need to know about the brain. If you've got a brain, you should take this course! :)

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What's right and what's wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what's right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I'm modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

Lots of people talk about what "Scientists say" and what is "experimentally proven". We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word "science"? We'll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Lots of people talk about what "Scientists say" and what is "experimentally proven". We all want to be rational and make good decisions. But what is science, really? And how do you know when someone is just trying to BS you by throwing around the word "science"? We'll talk about that, and, like real scientists, do some real experiments.

Bank bailouts. Stealing to feed your hungry kid. Lying to save Jews in your basement. Waterboarding. What's right and what's wrong? And how do we know? This will be a crash course in Ethics, the rigorous discipline of determining what's right. This lost science will be critical for anyone who will have to make decisions in their life. I'm modeling this course after the enormously popular class and book taught by Michael Sandel at Harvard (Google my course title).

Have you ever heard something is "Scientifically proven to..." or been told to believe something that, "Scientists believe that..."? What is science? How do you know who's telling the truth and who's lying? Who is making real scientific claims, and who is just using scientific words to persuade? This is a crash course in the definition, power and limits of science. Learn how to spot BS claims scientists and non-scientists make. Useful for everyone who will be making science-based decisions (including non-scientists).