If forced to choose which sense they're attached to the least, most people would point to smell. But could we still live a fulfilling life without it? Prof. Barry Smith looks into the matter for us.

Barry C Smith is a professor of philosophy and director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study, where he is the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists. He is also a broadcaster with frequent appearances on BBC One’s Masterchef, and on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time and The Kitchen Cabinet. In 2010 he wrote and presented a four-part series for the BBC World Service called The Mysteries of the Brain, and recently, a ten-part series for BBC Radio 4 called The Uncommon Senses.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx