Lawrence Weiskrantz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawrence Weiskrantz
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| Born | 28 March 1926 |
| Died | 27 January 2018 (aged 91) |
| Citizenship | British |
| Alma mater | Swarthmore College |
| Known for | blindsight |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | psychology, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience |
| Institutions | Oxford University |
Lawrence Weiskrantz (born March 28, 1926 – died January 27, 2018) was a famous British neuropsychologist. Neuropsychologists study how the brain affects our behavior and thoughts. Weiskrantz is especially known for discovering something called blindsight. He also showed how a part of the brain called the amygdala helps us learn about and react to emotions.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lawrence Weiskrantz grew up in Philadelphia. He went to a boarding school called Girard College because his father passed away when he was young. After finishing school there, he attended Swarthmore College. During his college years, he also served in World War II. Just before he graduated, he received a special scholarship to study at Oxford University in England.
Amazing Discoveries and Career
Weiskrantz became a Professor of Psychology at Oxford University. He worked there until he retired in 1993. Even after retiring, he remained an important professor at the university.
Understanding Blindsight
One of his biggest discoveries was blindsight. Imagine someone who can't see because of a brain injury. Even though they say they can't see anything, they might still be able to guess where objects are. They might even point to them or tell the difference between shapes without actually "seeing" them. This incredible ability is what Weiskrantz called blindsight. It showed that our brains can process visual information in ways we don't even realize.
The Amygdala and Emotions
Weiskrantz also spent a lot of time studying how our brains handle emotions. He found that a small part of the brain called the amygdala is very important for how we learn about and react to feelings, especially fear. His work helped scientists understand more about how our emotions are controlled by the brain.
Working with Other Scientists
Weiskrantz was very interested in the work of a Russian brain scientist named Alexander Luria. They met and became good friends, working together until Luria's death in 1977. Weiskrantz also helped guide many students who went on to become important scientists themselves. Some of his notable students included Alan Cowey and Nicholas Humphrey.
Key Positions Held
Throughout his career, Lawrence Weiskrantz held many important roles:
- Professor of Psychology at Oxford University (1967–1993)
- Founding President of the European Brain and Behaviour Society (1969)
- President of the Association for Scientific Study of Consciousness
Awards and Recognition
Lawrence Weiskrantz received many honors for his important work. In 1980, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very special honor for top scientists in the United Kingdom. He was also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Weiskrantz won several medals and gave important lectures, sharing his knowledge with other scientists around the world. In 1997, he received an honorary doctorate from Tilburg University in the Netherlands.
Selected Books
Weiskrantz wrote several books about his research and ideas:
- Analysis of Behavioural Change (1967)
- The Neuropsychology of Cognitive Function (1982)
- Animal Intelligence (1985)
- Blindsight: A case Study and Implications (1986)
- Thought Without Language (1988)
- Consciousness Lost and Found (1997)
