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Closer To Truth

Annaka Harria on Consciousness and the Cosmos

Mar 19, 2025
Annaka Harris, New York Times bestselling author of "Conscious" and creator of the "Lights On" audio documentary series, delves deep into the mysteries of consciousness. She discusses its potential as a fundamental aspect of the universe and challenges traditional views in physics. Topics include the relationship between consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the illusion of self. Harris invites listeners to question identity, explore ethical concerns surrounding consciousness, and consider the implications of consciousness in both a scientific and philosophical context.
01:33:24

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Annaka Harris argues that consciousness may be a fundamental aspect of the universe, bridging gaps between neuroscience and physics.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness in scientific inquiry, urging scientists to adapt their views with new evidence.

Deep dives

Exploring the Nature of Consciousness

The podcast delves into essential questions regarding consciousness, including whether it is a fundamental component of the universe. Annika Harris shares her journey from initially believing consciousness to be an emergent property to considering it as a fundamental aspect. She articulates that many scientists liken our understanding of consciousness to the historical perspective on life before scientific breakthroughs. The analogy is drawn to how understanding the science behind flipping a light switch illuminates the room, suggesting that consciousness may one day be understood in a similar manner.

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