Seminar Series - Keio+Emory | Jared Medina + Masaki Matsubara "The Embodied Mind and Empathetic AI: A Dialogue in the Keio-Emory Seminar Series"

Jared Medina | Department of Psychology, Emory University My presentation will explore the cognitive mechanisms behind how the mind actively does embodiment. Using evidence from perceptual illusions (such as the mirror box and rubber hand illusion) and individuals with brain damage, I will discuss foundational processes that shape our bodily awareness. This overview is designed to provoke a broader dialogue on how theories and methods related to embodiment can conceptually inform the development of social AI.Dr. Medina is an Associate in the Department of Psychology at Emory University, having earned his Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from Johns Hopkins University. His research explores the cognitive and neural mechanisms of embodiment and sensorimotor plasticity, using evidence from perceptual illusions, brain damaged individuals, and neuroimaging to investigate how the brain represents the body.   Masaki Matsubara | Center for Contemplative Sciences, Keio University + University of Tsukuba, Japan "Exploring the transition from the cognitive “Mind” to the phenomenological “Soma,” I will examine whether humans and AI can truly “dance” together through empathy as embodied joint action. I raise the fundamental question of whether a resonant “Field” (Ba) can emerge without the shared vulnerability inherent to biological life. Using the framework of Ki, Do, and Ma (Timing, Intensity, and Space), will discuss how these principles can inform experimental designs for social robots to foster our shared humanity."Dr. Matsubara is an Associate Professor at the University of Tsukuba and leads the Laboratory for Somatic Intelligence and Artistic Expression. His research integrates contemplative education, embodied cognition, and human-AI collaboration. He utilizes first-person approach and arts-based research to explore the emergence of awareness and compassion.         If you would like to become an AFFILIATE of the Center, please let us know.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get updates on our latest videos.Follow along with us on Instagram |  Facebook NOTE:  The views and opinions expressed by the speaker do not necessarily reflect those held by the Center for Mind, Brain, and Culture or Emory University.