Being social, being sneaky and being human: how to win friends and influence people – Mon 30th, 7pm

Humans are intensely social; our lives are inextricably entwined with the lives of others. Relationships between ourselves and others in our social group are variable. Some are based on family ties, while others are maintained as friendships, work relationships or even by unfriendly interactions. Keeping track of all our friends (and enemies) is a complicated business.

We are, however, not the only species that live in such a complex social world. Our primate cousins also live in social groups and have to manage their social relationships. How do we and other primates cope? Through the evolution of strategies that allow us to manipulate social partners. In other words, we lie, cheat, compliment and flatter others so that they behave in ways that are to our benefit. What is it that supports these strategies enabling humans and other primates to win friends and influence others? Their exceptionally large brains.

Join us at the award winning Chambers Coffeehouse and Restaurant, 34 South Tay Street for this intriguing discussion with Dr Clare Cunningham from Abertay University on Monday 30th January 2012 at 7pm.

Chambers will serve a selection of their delicious HOT MEALS until 6:15pm, followed by snacks and hot drinks during the talk. Please see their website for a menu and more information.

This is a FREE event and EVERYONE IS WELCOME. There is no need to book in advance but arrive early to avoid disappointment.

If you can’t make it be will be tweeting live from the event from the @revealsresearch Twitter account. To view these tweets and to join the online discussion you can use the hashtag #CafeSciDundee.