Peter D. Hershock, "Consciousness Mattering: A Buddhist Synthesis" (Bloomsbury, 2023)
Mar 23, 2025
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Peter D. Hershock, a Professor at the East-West Center, dives into the relationship between consciousness, Buddhism, and AI. He argues that consciousness is shaped by our connections with others and our environments, challenging traditional views. Hershock explores the ethical responsibilities of artificial intelligence and the complexities of machine consciousness. He also discusses the implications of altered states through meditation and psychedelics, urging a compassionate approach to how consciousness influences our actions and values in a digital age.
Peter Hershock emphasizes consciousness as a dynamic relational process influenced by both internal states and external environments.
The podcast highlights the significance of Buddhist philosophy in understanding consciousness as interdependent rather than a fixed entity.
Altered states of consciousness, facilitated by practices like meditation and psychedelics, offer transformative potential for human experiences and interrelations.
Ethical considerations must guide the development of artificial consciousness, addressing challenges in integrating AI within societal frameworks.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Podcast
The episode features a discussion between Jessica Zhu and Professor Peter Hershock, focusing on his book 'Consciousness Measuring: A Buddhist Synthesis.' Peter shares his insights on consciousness from a Buddhist perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding consciousness not merely as an isolated phenomenon but as something that plays a vital role in shaping our experiences and interactions with the world. He explores how consciousness can be theorized relationally and interdependently, highlighting the significance of experiential processes over static definitions. This reconfiguration seeks to engage listeners in a deeper contemplation of consciousness and its implications in contemporary society.
The Nature and Complexity of Consciousness
Professor Hershock argues that consciousness should be viewed as a dynamic, relational process rather than a static entity. He reflects on personal experiences that sparked his curiosity about consciousness, including moments in childhood that showcased its fluidity and complexity. The challenge lies in theorizing consciousness in a way that acknowledges its multifaceted nature, influenced by both internal states and external environments. By emphasizing the relational aspects of consciousness, he invites listeners to consider how individual experiences shape collective realities, urging a shift from conventional understandings toward a more integrated view.
The Role of Buddhist Philosophy
The podcast delves into the influence of Buddhist philosophy on contemporary theories of consciousness. Professor Hershock highlights the Buddhist understanding that consciousness is inherently interdependent, shaped by interactions with others and the surrounding world. He critiques traditional metaphysical approaches that position consciousness as a fixed entity, advocating for a perspective that prioritizes its dynamic and evolving nature. This shift in thinking enables a deeper engagement with the ethical and practical implications of consciousness in human behavior and societal frameworks.
Altering Consciousness and Its Implications
A key discussion point includes the potential for altering consciousness through various practices, such as meditation and psychedelics. Professor Hershock notes that both practices can lead to changes in brain entropy, allowing for new experiential possibilities and ways of being. This suggests that consciousness is not fixed to neural pathways but can be reshaped through intentional practices. As listeners consider the implications of altered consciousness, they are encouraged to explore the transformative potential of these practices in enhancing human experience and interrelation.
Artificial Consciousness and Its Challenges
The conversation shifts to the emerging field of artificial consciousness, where Professor Hershock raises important ethical questions surrounding AI and machine learning. He offers insight into the challenges of developing machines that mimic human-like consciousness without the inherent ethical understanding that comes from organic evolution. As AI systems increasingly engage in complex interactions, their lack of self-awareness and relational context raises concerns about their integration into society. This necessitates a careful approach to artificial intelligence, where ethical considerations must guide the development and deployment of these technologies.
Cultural Evolution and Shared Responsibilities
Professor Hershock emphasizes the importance of cultural evolution as a way for humanity to navigate contemporary challenges. He argues that with the capacity for cultural differentiation comes the responsibility to foster ethical frameworks that are inclusive and supportive of human flourishing. This cultural evolution should not only account for varying ethical perspectives but also emphasize collaboration among diverse groups. As societies grapple with pressing issues such as climate change and inequality, Hershock calls for a collective effort to create systems that prioritize ethical considerations over competitive dynamics.
The Future of Consciousness and Ethical Evolution
In closing, the episode reflects on the future trajectories of human consciousness as intertwined with ethical evolution. Professor Hershock posits that as we evolve culturally, it is crucial to work toward a communal understanding of values that honors and supports global diversity. He suggests an ethical revolution that views differences as strengths rather than divisions, promoting collaborative efforts to address global challenges. By envisioning a future where ethical behavior is prioritized, he inspires listeners to consider their roles in shaping a more conscious and interconnected world.
Consciousness Mattering(Bloombury, 2023) presents a contemporary Buddhist theory in which brains, bodies, environments, and cultures are relational infrastructures for human consciousness. Drawing on insights from meditation, neuroscience, physics, and evolutionary theory, it demonstrates that human consciousness is not something that occurs only in our heads and consists in the creative elaboration of relations among sensed and sensing presences, and more fundamentally between matter and what matters. Peter Hershock argues that without consciousness there would only be either unordered sameness or nothing at all. Evolution is consciousness mattering.
Shedding new light on the co-emergence of subjective awareness and culture, the possibility of machine consciousness, the risks of algorithmic consciousness hacking, and the potentials of intentionally altered states of consciousness, Hershock invites us to consider how freely, wisely, and compassionately consciousness matters.
