Philosophy For Our Times Defending panpsychism | Philosophers Philip Goff and Hilary Lawson
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Mar 14, 2025 
In a thought-provoking discussion, Philip Goff, a leading philosopher of mind from the University of Durham, explores panpsychism—the idea that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality. Joining him is Hilary Lawson, known for her post-realist views. They tackle the complexities of the mind-body problem, critique materialism, and debate whether consciousness is embedded in all matter. The conversation also intertwines science with spirituality, positing that panpsychism could reshape how we perceive our world and our identities.
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Mind-Body Problem: A Philosophical Issue
- The mind-body problem is a philosophical issue, not just scientific, concerning how consciousness and the physical world fit together.
- Physicalism, panpsychism, and dualism are empirically equivalent, so experiments cannot distinguish them.
Evaluating Philosophical Theories
- Evaluating philosophical theories involves assessing their explanatory obligations. Panpsychism explains physical reality through consciousness, unlike physicalism, which struggles to explain consciousness through physical processes.
Language and Consciousness
- Goff believes language best captures reality when discussing consciousness, like someone's agony. He feels a direct connection to the phenomenon of pain.
