Why Do We Mind What Goes On In Our Minds?

Our new interns got settled into their Georgetown dorm rooms, said farewell, and now here they are! We set the standards and expectations for the week, and then the interns were introduced to Dr. James Giordano, Chief of the Neuroethics Studies Program at the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics at Georgetown University. Dr. Giordano asks for interns to learn not only about the mind, but also to pay attention to why we mind about the mind. What’s at stake? Why are we all here to explore neuroscience together? He aims to change how they think about the way they think about things that think! For many, this was their first time in a college lecture hall— that’s one way to change how they think!

The interns asked very insightful questions, with one proposing a model to discern the sense of self from mind or consciousness, another asking about the brain of the African Grey Parrot, and another questioned how we are able to assess consciousness states like those of sleep. They were very engaged and they deeply impressed Dr. Giordano. After this keynote address, interns set off in small groups with our staff team to explore the Monuments or visit some of Georgetown’s favorite spots for a sweet treat.

Here they are in front of the Washington Monument, and they made it just in time to catch the beautiful sunset!

Our interns will work in a project group over the course of the week, but tonight we encourage meeting each other without any project goals in mind. They are making fast and lasting friendships!

Even Lincoln wanted to be in the photo with our impressive group!

Some of our interns went to explore the Georgetown area with a staff member. Groups often choose between local college spots like Insomnia Cookies, Thomas Sweets, a boba tea place, storefronts on M Street, or even CVS to make sure they can get anything they might have forgotten at home. Many students went to CVS to pick up another notebook to write in, anticipating lots of important notes ahead this week.

As our first night draws near, we are eager for a full day as good as this half day today!