What can conjuring tell us about cognition? The future of the Science of Magic

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• Professor Gustav Kuhn, University of Plymouth
• Friday 07 March 2025, 16:30-18:00
• Ground Floor Lecture Theatre, Department of Psychology.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Sara Seddon.

The host for this talk is Clive Wilkins

Magic is a performance art that lets us experience the seemingly impossible. At the MAGIC -lab, we study magic scientifically to understand how easily the human mind can be manipulated and we apply these principles beyond the magic trick itself. The Science of Magic has grown into a distinct research field, demonstrating how the ancient art of conjuring can contribute to psychological theories and knowledge. In this talk, I will critically evaluate three central ideas in this emerging discipline:

The methods used in magic can be integrated into experimental research. Magicians possess unique insights into human cognition and behaviour. Deconstructing magic tricks can reveal novel psychological principles and mechanisms. I will also address a significant challenge for researchers—the secrecy inherent in magic—and suggest ways to balance this with the transparency required in science.

In this talk, I will also share data from new projects that embrace the science of magic approach. For example, I will demonstrate how mentalism techniques can amplify placebo effects and explore how other forms of deception, such as the veil principle, provide insights into human reasoning.

This talk is part of the Zangwill Club series.

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