MARCS Afternoon Colloquium (MAC): Professor Michael Richardson

MARCS Afternoon Colloquium (MAC) (Room 3.G.55 - Building 3)

Professor Michael Richardson - Macquarie University

Topic: Symmetries of Order in Perception, Action and Cognition

Speaker:  Professor Michael Richardson

Abstract:  How is the patterning of behaviour organized? Who or what decides what action possibilities or behavioural modes are afforded within a given task context? Is there a complementary relationship between the low-level physical laws that constrain the mechanics of embedded perceptual-motor behaviour and the higher-level cognitive decision making processes that define ongoing human activity? Using a range of complex systems phenomena from physics, biology, psychology, cognitive science and computational cognition, I will discuss whether symmetry principles can provide a way of answering these questions. In particular, I will detail how the theory of symmetry-breaking can be employed to understand and explain the dynamical processes of perception, action and cognition that define everyday human behaviour and how symmetry-breaking bifurcations are fundamental to the emergence of complex order in human (and animal) and social activity.

Thank you for your continued attendance at MARCS Monday Afternoon Colloquiums.  Let's keep the momentum going.

MARCS staff and students are reminded that all meetings and workshops have an important role in building and maintaining the sense of community which is central to the success of MARCS as a cooperative and energetic research institute.  Your attendance is both welcomed and expected.

The zoom ID is: 627 146 998. Link to zoom https://uws.zoom.us/j/627146998