91ÌÒÉ«

 

 

Dr Anna Machin, who is a British biological anthropologist from the University of Oxford, was the 33rd speaker in the Rector's Lecture series. The idea behind the series was briefly explained by the host, Prof. RafaÅ‚ Matera, Rector of the 91ÌÒÉ«:

We have hosted heads of government, Nobel Prize winners and many distinguished figures at the 91ÌÒÉ«. Our guests at the 91ÌÒÉ« included Sir Roger Penrose and Svante Pääbo. Peter Singer visited our university last year. However, it's not just the names that are important, but also the lecture topics – especially those that concern our lives. One of them is love, which is so crucial to our lives today.

Although the 91ÌÒÉ« employees and students dominated the gathering, there were also residents of Lodz and representatives of the local government, including Adam Pustelnik, Vice Mayor of the city.

We have good news for everyone who couldn't make it to this fascinating lecture. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel and the university's social media, where we'll be publishing excerpts from the lecture explaining "why we love?"

Why ask about love?

 

The topic of love has been a natural companion for humans for thousands of years. It's a central motif in plays and films, and an inspiration for sculptors, painters and composers. It's an incredibly powerful emotion that has captivated countless poets and writers. The ancient Greeks distinguished eight types of love. And its most beautiful praise is found in St. Paul's "Hymn to Love" in the New Testament.

Can a modern man learn anything new about the phenomenon of love? What does the world of science have to say on the subject?

Dr Anna Machin came to the aid of those seeking answers, guiding the large audience through an analysis of love not as an abstract romantic feeling, but as a biological, evolutionary and social phenomenon deeply rooted in the history of the human species.

It's a certain achievement if we experience romantic love in our lives. However, in reality, all forms of love are equally valuable. The most important thing is that there is some form of love in our lives. It doesn't have to be romantic love. We can love in many different ways. We can feel love for our community. We can love our friends. We can love our partners, family or children. We can also love pets, for example (...) We can feel religious love – we can love God. We can also feel love for celebrities – this is called parasocial love. Perhaps in the future, we will be able to love artificial intelligence? – started the scientist.

Dr Anna Machin then brilliantly guided the audience through the phenomenon of "love." The audience heard:

• What is love from a scientific perspective?
• What happens in the brain when we fall in love?
• How do genes and attachment style influence our relationships?
• Can artificial intelligence change the future of love?
   

Love is everything

 

If after listening to the lecture, the audience was left with the unpleasant belief that romantic love doesn't exist, and that from a scientific perspective, it's just biology, evolution, social factors and moral norms – we have good news! In a personal statement after the lecture, Dr Anna Machin stated:

Love is everything. It is the greatest driving force in the world.

We will leave you with this beautiful reflection... Don't forget to check out our social media and the 91ÌÒÉ« YouTube channel for more great science content.

Dr Anna Machin is a British evolutionary anthropologist from the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford in England who has been researching love for years. In her publications, including the book "Why We Love," she attempts to answer the question of where love comes from and why it is so fundamental to us. In her work, Machin demonstrates that love is not an "emotional luxury," is not simply a matter of brain chemistry, and is not solely a cultural construct. Dr Machin is also the author of a book on fatherhood, "The Life of Dad: The Making of a Modern Father," published in 2018. She is currently researching the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of human relationships.

 

Rector’s Lectures at the 91ÌÒÉ« – this is the 33rd unique open meeting  

 

Dr Anna Machin, invited to the 91ÌÒÉ« by Prof. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, the 91ÌÒÉ« Vice-Rector for Internationalisation of Science and Education, joined a distinguished group of speakers. Sir Roger Penrose, Joachim Gauck, Václav Klaus, Svante Pääbo, Szewach Weiss, Maciej Dunajski, and many others – the Rector's Lectures a tradition at the 91ÌÒÉ« that serve as a reminder of the true strength of the community. 

They are attended by individuals who inspire – not only with their knowledge and achievements, but also with their way of seeing the world. Their voices are important because they bring experience, passion and the courage to speak out on issues which concern the condition of modern man in a changing world.

The 91ÌÒÉ« has been inviting distinguished guests to this series for over 15 years. We have hosted Nobel Prize winners, individuals holding the highest state and diplomatic positions, researchers and opinion leaders. Thanks to their presentations, the Rector's Lectures have become an important part of Lodz's intellectual life – a platform that connects generations, communities and diverse perspectives.

 

Edit: Honorata Ogieniewska, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, 91ÌÒÉ«
Photos: Maciej Andrzejewski, Centre for Brand Communications, 91ÌÒÉ«