Knowledge on Tap with Dr. Michael D. Robinson

Metaphor and the Body: Explorations of Head-Heart Dualism

Join The Study for an evening of thought-provoking conversation, local craft beer, and an exploration of how everyday metaphors shape the way we think, feel, and make decisions.

What does it really mean to "follow your heart" or "use your head"? Why do these metaphors appear across cultures, and how do they influence the way we understand ourselves and others? Can the language we use actually affect the way we experience the world?

In this Knowledge on Tap conversation, Dr. Michael D. Robinson, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at North Dakota State University, will explore the fascinating psychology behind one of our most familiar ways of thinking: the contrast between the head and the heart. Drawing on research in personality, emotion, and social cognition, Dr. Robinson will examine how these enduring metaphors influence reasoning, emotional decision-making, relationships, and human behavior—and how we can use them more intentionally in everyday life.

Since joining NDSU in 2001, Dr. Robinson has become an internationally recognized scholar whose research has advanced our understanding of personality, emotion, and the ways people perceive and respond to the world around them. He has published more than 300 scholarly books, chapters, and journal articles and has served as editor for several leading journals in social and personality psychology.

Whether you're interested in psychology, communication, philosophy, leadership, or simply curious about why people think and behave the way they do, this engaging conversation offers practical insights grounded in cutting-edge research.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Shari R. Veil, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at North Dakota State University. An internationally recognized scholar in risk and crisis communication, Dr. Veil brings extensive experience in higher education leadership and public engagement, creating an engaging conversation that welcomes audience participation.

Knowledge on Tap brings university scholarship into the community, creating opportunities to learn from leading experts in a relaxed setting where questions and conversation are encouraged.