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.

Our course on Neurophilosophy of Global Security aims to integrate the findings of neuroscience into the larger debate on International Relations theory and policy analysis. While human nature has been central to political theory, the understanding of what drives humans and states has, in fact, been more speculative than scientific prior to the advent of neuroscience. Neurophilosophy pioneers this interdisciplinary connection and advances an understanding of human nature that is informed by neuroscience. This has important policy implications and helps us nuance our understanding of contested and contentious notions such as morality and power.

Confirmed Speakers

• Professor Nayef Al-Rodhan, Director of the Geopolitics and Global Futures Department, GCSP and University of Oxford
• Professor Shane O‘Mara, Professor of Experimental Brain Research, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
• Dr Georg Northoff, Canada Research Chair in Mind, Brain Imaging and Neuroethics, ELJB-CIHR Michael Smith Chair in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Research Unit Director, University of Ottawa, Canada
• Professor Todd H. Hall, Professor of International Relations, DPIR, Tutorial Fellow in Politics, St Anne's College, University of Oxford, UK

Learning objectives

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.

All information you need to know (language, certification, technical and application process) before applying to the GCSP are available here. 

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.

The GCSP reserves the right to modify the programme dates, location and fee at any time.
15% Early-Bird Discount if you apply before 31 May 2024. GCSP Alumni qualify for a 20% discount on the standard rate of 500 CHF.