World we see is make-believe, top British scientist says

July 29, 2011

* From: NewsCore * July 30, 2011 12:06AM

THE human brain creates its own version of reality, and the world we see around

us is mostly make-believe, according to a top British scientist.

Professor Bruce Hood will explore the limits of the human mind in a series of

prestigious lectures for the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the oldest

independent research body in the world, it was announced yesterday.

The psychologist plans to induce false memories in audience members and use

pickpockets to demonstrate how easily people are distracted, in a bid to prove

how we have less control over our own decisions and perceptions than we like to

imagine.

" A lot of the world is make-believe. We're only aware of a fraction of what's

going on, " Hood told The (London) Times. " We have this impression of an

expansive panorama in front of our eyes, but all we are ever seeing is an area

the size of our thumbs at an arm's distance. The rest is filled in, as the brain

creates a stable environment. "

He added, " Though you might think you're an individual and captain of your ship,

a lot of processes are being controlled by those around you and your

environment. "

Hood will head the talks for the Royal Institution's Christmas Lectures, which

were started in 1825 by Faraday and have been held every year since

then, except for a break during World War II.

" One thing I guarantee is that I will leave the audience wondering if they can

ever trust their brain again, " he said.

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