EW YORK PSYCHOANALYTIC SOCIETY & INSTITUTE:
Arnold Pfeffer Center for Neuropsychoanalysis
Marianne and Nicholas Young Auditorium
247 East 82nd St., between 2nd & 3rd, NY, NY 10028
212-879-6900
www.psychoanalysis.org
www.nypsi.org
Saturday, December 12, 2015, 10 am – 12 pm
Open Forum: Discussion of Mark Solms’ recent presentation “Consciousness and the Unconscious”
RSVP is appreciated but not necessary; first come, first-seated FREE. All are welcome.
Mark Solms gave a remarkable presentation on Saturday, October 3 at the Pfeffer Center.
WATCH VIDEO …
His tour-de-force talk included a recap of the “conscious id” proposal, based on evidence that brainstem and subcortical circuits mediate the basic emotions, instincts, and drives — and that these circuits are also critical for consciousness. Significantly, Solms’ presentation then moved on to discuss the “cognitive unconscious” – the myriad ways in which the activity of cortical circuits, out of awareness, mediate automated processes which allow us to devote mental resources to new challenges. These cortical circuits also mediate the continuous calculations of predictions that allow us to navigate the world efficiently. Altogether, these processes are equated with ego functions, which appear to be primarily unconscious. His talk ended with a proposal that links the dynamic unconscious with mental contents which have been automated, but which continue to trigger affect that is registered consciously. He also suggested a model for thinking about the critical role of conscious awareness in mediating change. The talk provides significant food for thought, and merits our exploring its implications further. Members of the audience who attended this talk, as well as those who did not attend but would like to review the talk on video, are invited to come and discuss the many exciting ideas and questions which arose in its wake.
We suggest that you pick up viewing Part 1 at approximately 46:00 minutes, which is a few minutes before he launches into the exciting new material.
The discussion will be moderated by Maggie Zellner, Ph.D., L.P., and all are welcome. Please bring questions and ideas!
For information about NYPSI training programs please visit us at www.psychoanalysis.org or www.nypsi.org