Hidden Differences in Subjective Experiences

Discover the hidden differences that shape human behavior (aphantasia, synesthesia, inner speech) with professor Gary Lupyan, as he joins the Aphantasia Network to shed light on the fascinating world beyond what meets the eye.

Aphantasia Network

19 May 20231 min read

Hidden Differences with Gary Lupyan

In addition to the many easily observable differences between people, there are differences in people's subjective experiences that are harder to observe and, consequently, remain hidden.

For example, people vary widely in how much visual imagery they experience. But those who cannot see in their mind's eye tend to assume everyone is like them. Those who can assume everyone else can as well.

Uncovering and describing this variation (a search for unknown unknowns) may help predict otherwise puzzling differences in human behavior. Discover some of the hidden differences that shape human behavior with Gary Lupyan as he joins the Aphantasia Network to shed light on the fascinating world beyond what meets the eye.

This interview explores the hidden differences in people's subjective experiences that are often overlooked, such as the variations in visual imagery and aphantasia, synesthesia, inner speech, and more.

About the Researcher

Gary Lupyan is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studies the effects of language on cognition and perception, as well as the evolution of language. Over the past several years, he has been working on understanding what differences in subjective experience, including imagery and inner speech, can tell us about the unity and diversity of human cognition.

Hidden Differences with Gary Lupyan

In addition to the many easily observable differences between people, there are differences in people's subjective experiences that are harder to observe and, consequently, remain hidden.

For example, people vary widely in how much visual imagery they experience. But those who cannot see in their mind's eye tend to assume everyone is like them. Those who can assume everyone else can as well.

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Aphantasia Network
Aphantasia Network is shaping a new, global conversation on the power of image-free thinking. We’re creating a place to discover and learn about aphantasia. Our mission is to help build a bridge between new scientific discoveries and our unique human experience — to uncover new insight into how we learn, create, dream, remember and more with blind imagination.

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