Neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell: Free Will, Neuroplasticity Myths and Microbiome Scandals

About the conversation

Donate to my Paypal. Thank you so much! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=L38HCUYY5TDTG Kevin Mitchell is an associate professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin. His research is aimed at understanding the genetic program specifying the wiring of the brain and its relevance to variation in human faculties, especially to psychiatric and neurological disease and to perceptual conditions like synaesthesia. 00:00 Intro 01:08 Introduction and Background 22:02 Debunking Brain Myths: The Truth About Neuroplasticity 39:04 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Skepticism 52:32 Questioning Claims about the Gut Microbiome 01:08:22 The Limitations of Brain Connectivity and the Complexity of the Brain 01:18:16 Synesthesia and the Diversity of Perception 01:32:01 The Myth of Growth Mindset: Lack of Solid Evidence Dr. Kevin Mitchell discusses the concept of free will and challenges the absolutist claim that we have no free will. He argues that while our behaviour is influenced by various factors such as genetics and past experiences, it does not mean that we lack the ability to make decisions. He explains that determinism falls down at the quantum level and that there is inherent randomness in the system, which allows for flexibility and choice. Dr. Mitchell also debunks common myths about the brain, such as the idea that we only use 10% of our brain and that neuroplasticity can be easily manipulated. He emphasises the importance of critical thinking and questioning popular claims in the field of neuroscience. In this part of the conversation, Kevin Mitchell and Evan McGloughlin discuss the importance of critical thinking and skepticism when it comes to scientific claims. They highlight the tendency to add the prefix 'neuro' to make claims sound more scientific, even when it may not be necessary. They also discuss the misinformation and exaggeration surrounding topics like neuroplasticity, the gut microbiome, and supplements. They emphasize the need for rigorous scientific methodology and evidence-based claims. In this conversation, Kevin Mitchell discusses the limitations of brain connectivity as a measure of intelligence and the value of understanding the complexity of the brain. He then dives into the topic of synesthesia, explaining what it is and how it is more common than people think. He explores the philosophical implications of synesthesia and how it challenges our understanding of perception. The conversation also touches on the relationship between synesthesia and creativity, although the research on this topic is mixed. Finally, they discuss the concept of growth mindset and the lack of solid evidence supporting its effectiveness. My Startup weeve - https://www.weeve.ie/ My Socials Join my FREE Skool community for more Neuroscience Guides - https://www.skool.com/neuroscience-protocols-6782/about X - https://twitter.com/evan_mcgl LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-mcgloughlin/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/evan_mcgloughlin/