Journeys Into Consciousness




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ClassGraphic Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in the mind of a family member, friend or even a stranger? Where does the stuff come from that makes you who you are? How is it that our mental functions are accompanied by feelings, thoughts and a sense of self? In his new book, A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness (Penguin Press, New York, 2026) Michael Pollan, author of eight best-selling books and professor at Harvard and the University of California, traces the unmapped continent that is consciousness. He brings radically different perspectives from science, medicine, philosophy, literature, spirituality and psychedelics — to discover what each one can teach us. He will also introduce us to scientists who are entertaining more radical theories of consciousness, exploring it in plants, and even engineering feelings into AI. Critics have praised A World Appears as “a mind-expanding exploration of consciousness that offers a kaleidoscopic view of how and why we are self-aware.” We’ll meet guest speakers who study or use consciousness-expanding treatments to treat mental health and neurological conditions, along with supplemental materials to enrich our discussions. As we read, discuss and delve deeply into the this subject, we will share an enlightening, lively learning experience into one of nature’s greatest mysteries.
 

Class Details

14 Session(s)
Weekly - Tue

Location
Wieboldt Hall

Instructor
Multiple

Tuition:  $0.00

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Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
9/8/2026 - 12/8/2026 Weekly - Tue 01:15 PM - 03:15 PM Chicago, Wieboldt Hall  Map Ted Davis  ; Carol Dietz  ; Dorothy Balabanos