EconTalk Patrick House on Consciousness
61 snips
Dec 5, 2022 
Neuroscientist Patrick House, author of "Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness," dives into the enigmatic nature of the mind. He explores how consciousness intertwines with emotions, revealing the challenges researchers face in understanding human behavior. House discusses the significant role of language and personal interpretation in scientific discovery and relationships. He delves into existential questions about meaning and mortality, and shares insights on how the cerebellum shapes our intuition and decision-making. A fascinating journey into what it means to be human!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Anna's Laughter
- A teenage girl, Anna, underwent brain surgery for epilepsy.
- During the procedure, stimulation of a brain area caused her to laugh without a clear reason, leading to confabulated explanations.
Confabulation and Self-Explanation
- The brain often creates plausible explanations for actions, even if the true cause is unknown.
- This raises questions about the reliability of self-reported explanations for behavior and feelings.
Aphantasia and Miscommunication
- Patrick House recounts a misunderstanding with a partner who has aphantasia, the inability to form mental images.
- This difference led to conflict about FaceTime, as House enjoyed visualizing shared experiences while his partner needed visual input.
