Michael Platt

Michael Platt
  • James S. Riepe University Professor
  • Professor of Marketing
  • Professor of Psychology
  • Professor of Neuroscience

Contact Information

  • office Address:

    745 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
    3730 Walnut Street
    University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, PA 19104-6304

Links: Innovative Thinking: Using Neuroscience to get Out-of-the-Box Ideas

Overview

Michael Platt has been selected as the sixteenth Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor, effective July 1, 2015.
Platt, a neuroscientist whose work focuses on the brain’s decision-making processes, has appointments in the Department of Neuroscience in the Perelman School of Medicine, the Department of Psychology in the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Marketing in the Wharton School.
Platt has served as Professor of Neurobiology, Director of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and Director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University. Organizations such as the National Foundation, the Klingenstein Foundation, the McDonnell Foundation and the Department of Defense have supported his research, and he has been recognized in the New York Times, the Washington post, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, A`BC, BBC and PBS.
Platt has also served as the President of the Society for Neuroeconomics. He holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Penn, and a BA in Biological Anthropology from Yale.
 
VIDEOS (SELECTED)
“How We Decide: The New Science of Neuroeconomics,” Penn Arts & Sciences 60-second Lectures, April 27, 2016
“Why Friendship Is One of Our Most Basic Needs,” Huffington Post, February 24, 2016
“Brain Power,” World Economic Forum, February 23, 2016
“This Is Your Brain on Decision-making,” Knowledge@Wharton, October 29, 2015
“Primates of the Caribbean,” ARTE Network, France, 2013
“The NeuroEconomics of Innovation,” California Academy of Sciences, April 25, 2013
“The Science of Friendship,” Ignite Philly, April 27, 2016
“Peacocks, Eye Tracking, and the Brains Behind Decisions,” Penn Current, March 29, 2017
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Teaching

Current Courses

  • VISR6470 - Nih/bi Fellowship

    VISR6470012

Past Courses

  • MKTG2370 - Brain Science F/Business

    This course provides an overview of contemporary brain science and its applications to business. Students are first rapidly introduced to the basic anatomy and physiology of the brain and become familiar with important techniques for measuring and manipulating brain function. The course then surveys major findings in neuroscience with applications to business, including vision, attention and advertising; valuation and marketing; decision making; learning, innovation and creativity; social influence, team-building, and leadership; and discussion of the ethical, legal, and societal implications of applying neuroscience to business. Applications to business, education, sports, law, and policy are discussed throughout.

  • MKTG3990 - Independent Study

  • MKTG7370 - Brain Science F/Business

    This course provides an overview of contemporary brain science and its applications to business. Students are first rapidly introduced to the basic anatomy and physiology of the brain and become familiar with important techniques for measuring and manipulating brain function. The course then surveys major findings in neuroscience with applications to business, including vision, attention and advertising; valuation and marketing; decision making; learning, innovation and creativity; social influence, team-building, and leadership; and discussion of the ethical, legal, and societal implications of applying neuroscience to business. Applications to business, education, sports, law, and policy are discussed throughout.

  • MKTG8990 - Independent Study

    A student contemplating an independent study project must first find a faculty member who agrees to supervise and approve the student's written proposal as an independent study (MKTG 899). If a student wishes the proposed work to be used to meet the ASP requirement, he/she should then submit the approved proposal to the MBA adviser who will determine if it is an appropriate substitute. Such substitutions will only be approved prior to the beginning of the semester.

  • PSYC3990 - SLEEP AND SLEEP DISORDER

    This class will provide an introduction to sleep and sleep disorders, focusing on current research in the field. Students will learn about the neurobiology of sleep/wake regulation, the relationship between sleep and memory and how sleep is related to physical and mental health. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy will be covered in terms of pathophysiology, assessment and treatment.

  • PSYC6999 - Indiv Res for 1st Yr Grd

    Individual Research for First-Year Graduate Students

  • PSYC9999 - Independent Study

    Individual Study and Research

  • VISR6990 - Independent Study

    This course enables student to undertake a self-directed study on a topic in Veterinary Medicine, under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to submit an Independent Study & Research (ISR) application to the Registrar Manager in the Office for Students. Credit may vary.

In the News

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In the News

Perspective Taking: A Brain Hack That Can Help You Make Better Decisions

Wharton marketing professor and neuroscientist Michael Platt and his co-authors explain the neural basis of perspective taking and why it may lead to more innovation and better business outcomes. …Read More

Knowledge at Wharton - 3/22/2021
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Wharton Magazine

Wharton’s Global Impact: From Phoenix to Kuala Lumpur
Wharton Magazine - 04/15/2022

Wharton Stories

A blue graphic with various political images such as raised hands, scales, and person speaking at a podium.What Neuroscience Can Tell Us About Political Advertising

One of the big stories out of the 2020 election cycle is the amount  Democratic presidential candidates have spent on political advertising. Michael Bloomberg has reportedly spent more than $410 million on campaign ads, and has since dropped out of the race, whereas former Vice President Joe Biden has only…

Wharton Stories - 03/10/2020
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