Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 281 | Samir Okasha on the Philosophy of Agency and Evolution
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Jul 1, 2024 In this thought-provoking discussion, Samir Okasha, a leading philosopher of biology, tackles foundational questions about life and agency. He explores when matter becomes an agent and the origins of morality. The conversation delves into the interplay between altruism and selfishness, the significance of emergence in complex systems, and the implications of teleology in evolution. Okasha also examines mental representation across living beings and the philosophical complexities of consciousness, offering fresh insights into agency and artificial intelligence.
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The Inevitability of Philosophy
- Everyone inherently engages in philosophical thought, whether reflectively or not.
- Questions like "What is a human being?" are important, especially with AI and animal rights.
Importance of Philosophy of Biology
- Philosophy of biology addresses foundational questions like defining species and agency.
- It explores the boundaries of emergent entities, crucial for policy and morality.
Emergence of Philosophy of Biology
- Philosophy of biology emerged in the 1970s, questioning the physics-centric view of science.
- Evolutionary biology became central due to its unique implications for philosophical questions.
