Alien Intrigue

Why are we so fascinated by the concept of extra-terrestrial life? Why do many people believe that we have been visited by aliens? Do our ideas about aliens stem from science fiction or the folklore of fairies and monsters? Alien Intrigue explores the significance of the concept of ‘aliens’ in mankind’s history, culture and psychology and the emotional and imaginative themes associated with ‘aliens’. Pre-conceptions about extra-terrestrials will be challenged with explanations of ideas about aliens from history, culture and psychology. This event is part of a season of Alien themed events, debates and comedy nights at the Dana Centre and is running in conjunction with the Science Museum’s major new exhibition The Science of Aliens.

Why are we so fascinated by the concept of extra-terrestrial life? Why do many people believe that we have been visited by aliens? Do our ideas about aliens stem from science fiction or the folklore of fairies and monsters? Are they a psychological projection of human hopes and fears? Or is our interest in a world outside our own an inbuilt phenomenon?

Alien Intrigue explores the significance of the concept of ‘aliens’ in mankind’s history, culture and psychology and the emotional and imaginative themes associated with ‘aliens’. Audience members are invited to examine what we perceive as alien and what gives us these perceptions. Pre-conceptions about extra-terrestrials will be challenged with explanations of ideas about aliens from history, culture and psychology.

Speakers include:
· Chris French, Head of Anomolistic Psychology Research Unit at Goldsmith’s College, London, will speak about the psychology of alien abduction experiences, their similarity to other paranormal phenomena such as ghosts and their physical grounding in sleep paralysis.
· Reverend Neil Hook, Senior Lecturer in Science: Fiction & Culture at the Centre for Astronomy and Science Education, Glamorgan will discuss how science fiction may have influenced our interest and belief in aliens, and whether such belief might have a religious element.
· Nick Pope, Author of ‘Open Skies, Closed Minds’, MOD employee and UFO believer, will talk about unresolved UFO sighting and alien abduction mysteries, why they fascinate people and why people believe they are caused by aliens.

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