Week 1

Overview

Learning Objectives

By the end of the week you will be able to:

Describe technology related to the eneural and what is needed to achieve this level of autonomy
Debate the ethical implications of the eneural and other potential future technologies that reproduce human cognition and emotion

INTRODUCTION

Music has always been and remains a means to teach, express, reinforce, and sometimes change cultural belief systems and identities.

In this module, you will be asked to consider ideas and concepts related to music, the brain, and technology. You will also be asked to consider where our humanness lies. Is there a mind/body divide? Or are our systems much more interdependent than this split might suggest?

Please take a “beginner’s mind” approach. "Beginner's mind" is a Zen Buddhist idea of approaching with the same curiosity, lack of preconceptions, and openness of a novice. It is used extensively in artistic research and allows artists to be free to explore without the burden or need to prove anything. We will simply allow our curiosity to lead and then attempt to discern the multiple moving parts that make up a particular problem, theme, or topic.

GOALS

To understand the science behind the eneural and what it reflects of our current understanding of the neuroscience behind sound perception. Participate in a discussion about the ethics involved in use of the eneural.

Instructional Materials

Recommended: The Assimilated Cuban's Guide to Quantum Santeria, by Carlos Hernandez

Activities

In week 1, you will read the story Homeostasis by Carlos Hernandez and discover the eneural. You will conduct some introductory research about current neuroscience engaging with "beginner's mind," and write a short report on your findings.