The Role Of Smell in Consciousness | Barry Smith | TEDxOxford

If forced to choose which sense they're attached to the least, most people would point to smell. But could we still live a fulfilling life without it? Prof. Barry Smith looks into the matter for us.
Barry C Smith is a professor of philosophy and director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study, where he is the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists. He is also a broadcaster with frequent appearances on BBC One’s Masterchef, and on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time and The Kitchen Cabinet. In 2010 he wrote and presented a four-part series for the BBC World Service called The Mysteries of the Brain, and recently, a ten-part series for BBC Radio 4 called The Uncommon Senses.
Barry C Smith is a professor of philosophy and director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study, where he is the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists. He is also a broadcaster with frequent appearances on BBC One’s Masterchef, and on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time and The Kitchen Cabinet. In 2010 he wrote and presented a four-part series for the BBC World Service called The Mysteries of the Brain, and recently, a ten-part series for BBC Radio 4 called The Uncommon Senses. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@tonyesfandiari2123]

Awesome presentation- thank you

[@AlOfNorway]

Amazing, what a great talk about one of the most neglected part of our body. In my study, we found Olfaction to operate even during "unconscious" states (i.e., sleep/anaesthetised). In fact, the highest immune response was found in the unconscious group when exposed to a threat-like cue. Somehow, the body mobilized a defense mechanism as if it detected danger within its proximity. We have no idea what may be causing this. Somehow, from a philosophical point of view, these results indicate that the line separating our conscious immediacy and our habitual mind-stream may be thinner than expected.

[@navinmuch]

Respected Sir/Madam, I am making a documentary on Anosmia awareness and need a small help from you. Is it possible for me to use few positions of this or some of your videos as part of my documentary? I have been doing research in this field for many years now and reaching out to many people and groups through different channel. Please let me know if this is fine. It would be a great help. Thank you !!

[@mistervacation23]

Barry's Massive house and ranch, own jet plane, helicopter, boat and jet skis, Seems like a kind of down to earth sort of person as well, sure his tacky image leaves a lot to be desired, but here's a man whose made an absolute fortune by honing his craft and knowing his target audience.

[@sarahgarfinkel7228]

Think you’ve got the wrong Barry...

[@mistervacation23]

@@sarahgarfinkel7228 well dog my cats!

[@zHumanfactor]

I was wondering what happened to Larry Bird.

[@svendsoemod]

so the key point is that smells matter...

[@tonyesfandiari2123]

Ask your dog