The Hard Problem of Consciousness

3min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Author David Chalmers is known for formulating the so called hard problem of consciousness, which inspired tom stopfard's play the hard problem. His new book deals with virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and all the concumitmet associated large philosophical issues with it. We ask if a virtual reality is an illusion, or is it real? Is there a god? If we achieve essentially the singularity in computing, then maybe there will be a god.

Shermer speaks with University Professor of Philosophy and Neural Science and codirector of the Center for Mind, Brain and Consciousness at New York University, Dr. David Chalmers, to discuss: the hard problem of consciousness; virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence; VR inside a VR, indistinguishable from Reality; Are we living in a simulation?; Can you live a good life in VR?; Can AI systems be conscious? and more…

How do we know that there’s an external world? What is the nature of reality? What’s the relation between mind and body? Virtual reality is genuine reality; that’s the central thesis of David Chalmers’ book: Reality+ — a highly original work of “technophilosophy” in which Chalmers gives a compelling analysis of our technological future. He argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds, and that we can live a meaningful life in virtual reality. He uses virtual reality technology to offer a new perspective on long-established philosophical questions. We may even be in a virtual world already.