“Mirror Neurons, Empathy and Autism” – This brief but intense summer seminar will provide participants with the opportunity to critically examine research concerning mirror neurons as well as the role mirror neurons have come to play in providing an explanation of a variety of psychological phenomena, in particular the role mirror neurons are alleged to play in the foundations of autism.

The Rethinking Autism summer seminar will provide a formal occasion and central location for philosophers and scholars from various disciplines from around the world to work together to critically analyze the neuroscience research of mirror neurons, as well as the implications that research has had in how autism is now conceptualized and treated.

Rethinking Autism is a new program under the auspices of the Center for Cognition and Neuroethics (CCN) that brings together scholars interested in creating well-reasoned and ethically sound research concerning the meaning, causes and social and individual implications of experiencing autism. The Rethinking Autism organizing committee will select presenters on the basis of the quality of proposals and their assumed ability to contribute to a well-rounded, and intellectually rewarding seminar experience for all participants. Rethinking Autism upholds CCN’s larger mission, that of supporting interdisciplinary projects in order to break down barriers that exist not only between scholarly disciplines but that surround professions. We support research activities across multiple fields and professions by creating, fostering, and supporting collaborations and communication across professional spheres. Presenters selected will be asked to confirm their participation by registering and paying the seminar fee ($400) which will cover housing costs in UM-Flint’s residency halls, mid-morning brunches and lunches as well as staff support.

CCN is a joint venture between the Philosophy Department at the University of Michigan-Flint and the Insight Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience (IINN). CCN supports interdisciplinary research with the conviction that the skills and knowledge that scholars from different disciplines bring to a partnership enrich and inform the others, creating unique, synergistic research that would not be possible in an isolated disciplinary environment.