The Meetings of Open Minds – Panel “Brain Time and Aesthetics”, 10.02.2026
We cordially invite you to a unique meeting from the series The Meetings of Open Minds - an event that brings together the world of science, philosophy, aesthetics and the latest research on consciousness. This time we will focus on what is most fleeting and at the same time fundamental in human experience: brain time (neural time) and the aesthetic dimension of perception.
Our main guest will be prof. Ernst Pöppel (Ludwik and Maksymilian University in Munich), an outstanding neuroscientist and winner of the CAS WUT Distinction "Pythagorean Universe", whose research on the organization of cognitive processes has been inspiring both the scientific community and cultural creators for years. The professor is famous for his ability to talk about the complex mechanisms of brain action in a way that is both deep and accessible - as well as asking questions that can expand the way we think about ourselves.
The panel will also include
- Dr Paweł Boguszewski (M. Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences) - brain researcher, science popularizer and specialist in complex neural systems
- Prof. Stanisław Janeczko (WUT Center for Advanced Studies, Faculty of MiNI WUT) - mathematician who passionately combines the perspective of science with reflection on consciousness,
- Dr Jacek Rogala (the Centre for Credible AI (CCAI) WUT) - expert in the field of neurostimulation and cognitive processes, using artificial intelligence methods in his work; also specializes in examining the impact of art on the nervous system and the human psyche
- Tomasz Stawiszyński - philosopher, publicist and essayist who will introduce a humanistic and existential perspective into the conversation.
This will not be an ordinary debate, but a space for lively dialogue - also with listeners. We invite you to ask questions, question established beliefs and discover together where science, art and human experience meet.
Abstract “Brain Time and Aesthetics"
No Brain without Art. No Art without Brain. Arts and science have developed out of boredom. A sociologist has once suggested a "hiatus" which is the pause between the desire and waiting for satisfaction, which may take some time. In this pause which can be rather boring within all sensory systems art was created like music, poetry, or visual art. As a scientist can then ask the question: What is created in this pause or hiatus, does this reflect anthropological universals (what unites us) or cultural specifics (what makes us different)? This leads to the concept of "complementarity as generative principle". Art and Science are complementary. Evolutionary heritage and environmental imprinting are complementary. Every cognitive act is both "bottom-up" and "top-down". We have to overcome the disease of "monocausalitis", the obsession to explain everything by ne cause only, Ockham's razor misunderstood.
The meeting will take place on February 10, 2026 at 16:15-18:00 in room 123 - WUT Main Building (Pl. Politechniki 1, Warsaw).