Name: The real reason for brains
Uploaded: 2011-11-03T14:55:30Z
Duration: 19 min 42 s
Description: Neuroscientist Daniel Wolpert starts from a surprising premise: the brain evolved, not to think or feel, but to control movement. In this entertaining, data-rich talk he gives us a glimpse into how the brain creates the grace and agility of human motion.

Daniel Wolpert: The real reason for brains

The real reason for brains

Neuroscientist Daniel Wolpert starts from a surprising premise: the brain evolved, not to think or feel, but to control movement. In this entertaining, data-rich talk he gives us a glimpse into how the brain creates the grace and agility of human motion.

The primary purpose of the brain is to control complex and adaptable movement, not just to think or perceive. Even simple organisms like the sea squirt digest their brains once they stop moving, highlighting this core function. While machines can beat humans at chess, a five-year-old easily outperforms any robot in dexterous tasks, showing the brain’s unmatched mastery in movement. All sensory, memory, and cognitive processes ultimately serve to guide or refine future actions.