Closer To Truth
David Papineau on Consciousness, Physics, & the Mind-Body Problem
Sep 18, 2024
David Papineau, a British academic philosopher and Professor of Philosophy of Science, dives into the fascinating relationship between consciousness and reality. He critiques traditional dualism, advocating for a materialist perspective that links consciousness with physical processes. The discussion also ventures into moral considerations for animals and AI, questioning what it means to be conscious. With engaging explorations of teleo semantics and the complexities of belief formation, Papineau sheds light on the intricate interplay between mind and matter.
01:14:53
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Quick takeaways
- David Papineau explores the intricate relationship between conscious states and reality, questioning whether consciousness behaves independently or interacts with it.
- The podcast discusses the distinction between naturalism and physicalism, emphasizing that naturalism pertains to methodology while physicalism addresses the ontology of existence.
Deep dives
Three Critical Questions of Consciousness
Three critical questions frame the discourse on consciousness: how, what, and where. The 'how' pertains to how conscious states interact with reality, exploring whether they float above or engage with it. The 'what' investigates the nature of consciousness, questioning if conscious experiences are representational and if self-awareness is a necessary component of being conscious. Lastly, the 'where' concerns which organisms possess consciousness, debating the likelihood of consciousness in beings like octopuses and bees, as well as the boundaries distinguishing conscious from non-conscious entities.
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