Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, Ohio
The laboratory of Anthony I. Jack, PhD — philosopher, psychologist, and cognitive neuroscientist exploring the mind's essential tension between Analytic and Empathic reasoning, and translating that science into transformative coaching, workshops, and public talks.
Elmer G. Beamer – Hubert H. Schneider Chair in Ethics
Anthony Jack holds the Elmer G. Beamer – Hubert H. Schneider Chair in Ethics at Case Western Reserve University, where he leads the Brain, Mind & Consciousness Laboratory. Trained in philosophy, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience at Oxford, University College London, and Washington University in St. Louis, he publishes across all three disciplines.
His research centers on a fundamental discovery: the brain is organized around two opposing networks — one Analytic, one Empathic — that reciprocally suppress each other. This neurological divide shapes how we think, lead, make ethical decisions, and understand ourselves and others. Most approaches to education, leadership, and psychology have overemphasized the Analytic side — and the consequences show.
Alongside his research, Tony brings this science to life as an executive coach, workshop leader, and public speaker — drawing on deep training in Gestalt practice, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, and over a decade of teaching happiness and empathic leadership to both undergraduates and senior executives.
The Brain, Mind & Consciousness Lab uses fMRI and related methods to investigate the reciprocal inhibition between the brain's Analytic and Empathic networks — and what that divide reveals about cognition, ethics, and human potential.
fMRI evidence of reciprocal inhibition between social/empathic and analytical/physical cognitive domains — and its implications for consciousness, free will, and ethics.
How inspirational coaching and mentoring activate the empathic network. The distinction between ideal and real self. Winner: Consulting Psychology Journal Paper of the Year 2018.
Neural signatures associated with two forms of dehumanization. Ethical leadership as a balance between opposing networks. Military ethics and neuroethics.
Why analytic thinking and religious belief coexist. The brain's divide between "material" and "spiritual" understanding. A scientific case for conceptual dualism.
Collaborations with Nursing Research on neural processing of health information in African Americans, HIV self-management, and hypertension interventions.
Forthcoming non-fiction book: The Mind, Brain & Consciousness Revolution: The Mind's Essential Tension between Analytic and Empathic Poles of Reason — making the science accessible to the broadest possible audience.
Network A
Reciprocal inhibition
Network E
When one network activates, it suppresses the other. This fundamental architecture shapes everything from how we make ethical decisions to how we lead, learn, and connect with others.
The same research that illuminates the mind's essential tension informs a practical body of work — helping individuals, teams and organizations cultivate the empathic network, deepen human connection, and lead with greater wisdom and authenticity.
One-to-one coaching for senior leaders and executives, grounded in cutting-edge neuroscience and deep humanistic practice. Tony works at the intersection of the rational and the relational — helping leaders develop the empathic capacity that research shows is essential for inspiring others, navigating complexity, and becoming more fully themselves.
Intensive one-day workshops for executive teams and organizations — drawing on over a decade of teaching empathic leadership at CWRU's Weatherhead School. Participants leave with a neuroscience-based framework for more human leadership, practical tools for activating empathic intelligence, and a fresh understanding of why rational excellence alone is never enough.
Compelling talks that make complex neuroscience vivid and actionable — for academic conferences, corporate audiences, faith communities, and public forums. Tony's TEDx talk and Wisdom 2.0 appearances demonstrate his ability to speak across the analytic/empathic divide, engaging both the intellect and the heart. Topics span leadership, spirituality, ethics, happiness, and the future of human intelligence.
Training & Credentials
Productive Consensus on Measuring Awareness Requires Stronger Theory
Behavioral and Brain Sciences (accepted)
When Fixing Problems Kills Personal Development: fMRI Reveals Conflict between Real and Ideal Selves
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · with Passarelli & Boyatzis
Pitfalls in Organizational Neuroscience: A Critical Review and Suggestions for Future Research
Organizational Research Methods · with Rochford, Friedman, Passarelli & Boyatzis
The Neuroscience of Coaching ★ Paper of the Year
Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research · with Boyatzis
Why Do You Believe in God? Relationships between Religious Belief, Analytic Thinking, Mentalizing and Moral Concern
PLOS ONE
A Scientific Case for Conceptual Dualism: The Problem of Consciousness and the Opposing Domains Hypothesis
Oxford Studies in Experimental Philosophy, Vol. 1 · Oxford University Press
fMRI Evidence of Reciprocal Inhibition between Social and Physical Cognitive Domains
NeuroImage
Visioning in the Brain: an fMRI Study of Inspirational Coaching and Mentoring
Social Neuroscience · with Boyatzis, Khawaja, Passarelli & Leckie
A Scientific Defense of Spiritual and Religious Faith
TEDxCLE — arguing that neuroscience supports rather than undermines the validity of spiritual experience.
Panel DiscussionCultivating Empathic Design in an Analytic World
Wisdom 2.0 — on how organizations can balance rational efficiency with genuine human connection.
LectureGenos Live: Neuroscience of Coaching
How brain imaging research transforms our understanding of what makes coaching effective.
Humanities TalkThis is Your Brain on Humanity
Baker Nord Center for Humanities — connecting neuroscience to the humanistic tradition.
PodcastThe Role of Empathy in Shaping Well-Being and Coaching
Choice Coaching Magazine — on empathy, neuroscience, and what it means to coach well.
ArticleIntuitive Dualism: Separating Neuroscience Myths from Reality
Choice Coaching Magazine — pushing back against neuro-hype in the coaching industry.