Hermitix
Philosophy, Mind, and the Limits of Science with Mazviita Chirimuuta
May 14, 2025
Mazviita Chirimuuta, Associate Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the complexities of neuroscience and philosophy. She discusses the limitations of scientific understanding of consciousness and critiques the binary perception of science. Chirimuuta also navigates the interplay between science, mathematics, and the divine, urging humility in our methodologies. Plus, she explores the relationship between AI and human creativity, emphasizing that technology should complement rather than replace human expression.
57:59
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast critiques the limitations of neuroscience's computational models, suggesting they often fail to capture the essence of consciousness.
- It emphasizes the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry, arguing that both science and philosophy are vital for understanding the complexities of perception and existence.
Deep dives
Exploring the Limits of Neuroscience
Neuroscience's explanatory power is examined, particularly its reliance on computational models to understand mental processes like vision. The speaker reflects on their journey from an optimistic stance on computational realism to a more critical viewpoint that recognizes philosophical implications beyond scientific methodology. This evolution highlights an acknowledgment that while computational methods can simplify complex neural activities, they may not fully capture the essence of consciousness or subjective experience. The discussion raises questions about the potential overreach of scientific narratives and the philosophical significance of accepting the limitations of scientific explanations.
