You Are Not So Smart 090 - Reality - Donald Hoffman
Dec 2, 2016
Cognitive psychologist Donald Hoffman, known for his groundbreaking work on the theory of consciousness, dives deep into the fabric of reality. He challenges conventional views, presenting the idea that our perceptions are mere interfaces shaped by evolution, not direct reflections of reality. Hoffman explores the bicameral mind and the complexities of color perception, urging listeners to reconsider what they understand about consciousness. This discussion not only examines scientific foundations but also encourages introspection on our beliefs about existence.
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Color Experience Varies Widely
- Color perception varies genetically and subjectively across people.
- Shared color words don't guarantee identical qualia; some women may perceive extra color dimensions.
Existing Theories Lack Concrete Mapping
- Current theories like integrated information lack concrete mappings from brain states to specific experiences.
- Hoffman argues no theory yet specifies, for example, which neural pattern equals the taste of chocolate.
Perception Is an Evolved Interface
- Evolution favors organisms tuned to fitness, not veridical perception.
- Simulations and a proved theorem show perceiving reality accurately has zero probability under natural selection.
