Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

Seeing Is Believing… Until It Isn’t: The Quirks of Human Perception

Various venues across London

Mon 19 Oct · 19:00 · £20.25

90m · Talk

About this event

"Seeing Is Believing… Until It Isn’t: The Quirks of Human Perception" with Dr Haiko Ballieux Summary: What if I told you that you've never actually seen the world as it really is, only your brain's best guess at it? The light hitting your eyes is genuinely ambiguous, so your brain has to fill in the gaps using everything it has learned from a lifetime of looking. That's why your senses can be tricked so easily, and why two people can look at exactly the same thing and see something completely different.In this talk I'll take you through some of the stranger quirks of human perception, including visual "illusions" (that are not really illusions...). We'll explore why your brain sometimes sees things that aren't there, and why closing your eyes can completely change what you hear someone say. Come prepared to have your senses questioned; you may never trust your own eyes (or ears) in quite the same way again. Bio : Dr Haiko Ballieux is a Senior Lecturer in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Westminster (UoW), and has done research on how early experience shapes perception and social development. He teaches on (developmental) psychology, cognitive and affective neuroscience and counselling topics (including leading an interdisciplinary module on consciousness). He holds a PhD in infant object perception from the Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development at Birkbeck (University of London), as well as two Master's degrees in Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Science from the University of Amsterdam, and is also a BACP qualified integrative coach-therapist. Haiko has given talks and run interactive experiments on perception and the brain at Glastonbury Festival, Bluedot Festival, the Norwich Science Festival, and Lewes STEM Festival, and conducted audience participation research at the Science Museum London, as well as engaged high school children on Psychology Insights days at UoW. Expect illusions, surprises, and a genuinely different way of looking at the world. Venue: The Alma, Wandsworth 499 Old York Rd, London SW18 1TF Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds up to 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.