Rationality with reservations. A neurobiological angle on legal decisions and negotiations
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Martin Burgi, extends a cordial invitation to this event with Udo Wachtveitl (actor), Mark von Seydlitz (filmmaker, actor and media trainer) and Martin Nimbach (neuroscientist).
Legal decisions are believed to be rational, objective and circumspect. Yet neuroscientific research shows that perception, evaluation and decision-making are largely shaped by neurobiological processes that are upstream of conscious thought. Stress, emotional pre-activation and perceptions of both status and control determine whether arguments are processed at all.
Tonight’s lecture spells out the neurobiological underpinnings of legal decisions and negotiations. The focus is on core neuronal networks, the role they play in weighing up risks, dealing with conflicts and the stability of decisions, and the conditions under which rational thinking remains a possibility. On the basis of typical legal decision situations, it is shown why arguments alone are often not enough – and which neurobiological preconditions are conducive to understanding. Selected communication and negotiation techniques will be used for a live demonstration.
In closing, Udo Wachveitl will talk about storytelling, manipulative negotiation strategies and how they work, as well as how to identify such strategies and where they reach their limits.
There is no need for prior registration. For more information, please visit the Faculty of Law website.