The Philosophy Museum is a way to introduce the Paradox Lab and test it out at schools and community spaces. We currently have six portable exhibits, each with stimuli, a main question, and ideas for further reflection.
Robots
A simple robot is displayed and participants are encouraged to interact with it and explore its parts and functions. Is it possible for a robot to have senses and/or emotions?
Rubber Hand Illusion
Participants look at a rubber hand while a volunteer simultaneously strokes the rubber hand and the participant's hand. After a few minutes participants may feel that the rubber hand is their own hand. How do we know our hands are our own?
Out of Body Illusions
A similar demonstration to the rubber hand illusion is done with a mannequin head. How do our minds position our ‘selves’ relative to our own heads and bodies?
Posters show part of Daniel Dennett’s thought experiment, in which he leaves his brain in a lab while his body, connected by radio/wifi, is sent into a cave to retrieve toxic material (similar to VR drones). Where is Daniel?
Flavor and Color
Participants engage in several flavor and color experiments, compare judgements, and learn about relevant brain processes. Do others experience flavor (or color) the same as I do?
Magic and Attention
Participants watch 3 magic tricks (by video or a live magician) and learn how their attentional processes blinded them to objects before their eyes. How much of the world do we actually see, and how much are we missing?
Brain in a Vat (and The Matrix)
A toy brain in a vat is connected by wires to a laptop with a simulation program displayed on the screen. Is it possible that you are a “brain in a vat” and mad scientist is programming your experiences?