Part of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Symposium 2022.

How does the ‘emotional amoral egoism’ of man shape the global system?

Is morality innate or alterable? Are emotions and rational decisions intertwined? How critical is the balance between human nature and human dignity? Human nature is at the centre of political theory and public policy, but our notions of what that precisely means are often oversimplified and subjective, lacking scientific rigour. Significant advances in neuroscience, brain-imaging and neurochemistry are helping to clarify what shapes our actions and emotions, at an individual level and collectively.

Learning outcomes

The course explains the neurophilosophical concept of “Emotional Amoral Egoism” in reference to both man and state, demonstrating how it affects international relations and governance. Participation in this course will provide you with:

• a comprehensive overview of the relevance and uses of neuroscience across a wide range of security policy issues and global conflicts
• new tools for analysing political processes, political change, power and leadership
• a review of emerging technologies in the area of neurosciences, such as cognitive enhancement, and their implications for equality, ethics, security and the future of humanity

This course is designed for officials from governments and international organisations, as well as members of the security and defence policy planning and the intelligence communities. This course is also relevant to representatives from the private sector and nongovernmental organisations, journalists, and anyone with a professional interest in understanding future international security challenges.