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StarTalk Radio
Is Consciousness Everywhere? With Anil Seth
Jan 24, 2025
Join neuroscientist Anil Seth, a professor at the University of Sussex and author of 'Being You', as he delves into the intriguing mysteries of consciousness. The conversation takes a twist on panpsychism, pondering if consciousness exists in all entities. Seth and the hosts dissect the distinctions between human intelligence and AI, questioning if machines could ever achieve true awareness. They also explore the implications of advancing technology on our perception of self, memory, and even the potential for consciousness beyond Earth.
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Quick takeaways
- The ongoing debate about consciousness highlights its elusive nature, indicating a divide among philosophers and scientists on its existence and mechanisms.
- Exploring consciousness across various species suggests it is a spectrum rather than a binary state, prompting ethical considerations regarding treatment of entities with different cognitive capacities.
Deep dives
Understanding Consciousness and Its Existence
The concept of consciousness is debated among philosophers and scientists, with some arguing that it is an illusion while others affirm its reality. Consciousness is seen as the only certain aspect of human experience, shaping our understanding of self and world. There are varying degrees of consensus on what entities are conscious, ranging from humans and certain animals to potential artificial intelligences. This ongoing discourse challenges our beliefs about the uniqueness of human consciousness compared to other creatures.
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