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Nicholas Humphrey is a renowned English neuroscientist, psychologist, and author,

born on March 27, 1943. His work has delved into the fascinating realms of primate
intelligence, consciousness, and the evolution of the human mind.

Here are some of his key contributions to the field:

 Pioneering research on "blindsight": In the 1970s, Humphrey made a


groundbreaking discovery while studying monkeys with brain damage. He
found that even though these monkeys couldn't consciously see objects, they still
exhibited certain visual behaviors, like reaching for them. This phenomenon,
termed "blindsight," challenged the prevailing understanding of vision and
suggested a more complex relationship between the brain and consciousness.
 The "social function of intellect" theory: Humphrey proposed that human
intelligence didn't primarily evolve for problem-solving or tool use, but rather
for navigating the intricate social dynamics within our complex groups. He
argues that our ability to understand and manipulate others' minds – a skill
crucial for cooperation and competition – was the driving force behind the
evolution of our cognitive abilities.
 Exploring the mysteries of consciousness: Throughout his career, Humphrey
has grappled with the profound question of what consciousness is and how it
arises. He has challenged traditional notions of consciousness as a private,
internal experience and instead suggests that it is a product of our social
interactions and shared understanding of the world.

Beyond his scientific contributions, Humphrey is also known for:

 His engaging writing style: He has authored several popular science books,
including "The Mind Made Flesh," "Leaps of Faith," and "Sentience: The
Invention of Consciousness," which have made complex scientific concepts
accessible to a wider audience.
 His interdisciplinary approach: He has ventured beyond the boundaries of
neuroscience, drawing insights from philosophy, psychology, and anthropology
to enrich his understanding of the human mind.
 His commitment to public engagement: He has participated in numerous
public lectures, debates, and media appearances, fostering a wider dialogue
about the nature of consciousness and the future of humanity.

Nicholas Humphrey's work continues to inspire and challenge researchers and thinkers
across various disciplines. His dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the human
mind has shed light on our origins, our social complexities, and even the very essence of
our consciousness.

I hope this gives you a good overview of Nicholas Humphrey's contributions to


neuroscience and beyond. If you'd like to learn more about his specific research or any
of his books, feel free to ask!

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What is the Humphrey's theory of mind?

Humphrey believes that human beings have evolved to take intrinsic delight in
conscious sensation for its own sake. He suspects that we're probably not the only
creatures to enjoy our sentience. Animals such as wolves and crows also live in social
groups and engage in sensation-seeking, and so are plausible candidates.

The Social Intelligence Hypothesis was then fully described by Nicholas Humphrey in 1976
(Humphrey 1976) under the name of “social function of intellect.” Humphrey proposed that
primates possessed a social intelligence that was responsible for their general advanced
cognitive abilities.

What is consciousness according to Nicholas Humphrey 1984?

According to Humphrey's theory, consciousness thus appears as a feedback loop whose


function is to provide human beings with a sophisticated tool that lets them become
good “natural psychologists”.

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