Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Karl Friston on the Perils of Investigations into Consciousness, Derealization, and the Free Energy Principle

Feb 21, 2022

Karl Friston, a leading neuroscientist from University College London, dives into the complexities of consciousness and the free energy principle. He discusses the duality of the self and the external world, emphasizing the need for critical engagement when exploring these concepts. Friston shares insights on managing derealization and anxiety, illustrating how our perceptions shape reality. He also covers innovative approaches to understanding evidence and decision-making, bridging neuroscience with practical mental health strategies.

02:10:05

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Episode guests

Karl Friston

Highlights

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Episode notes

Partitioning States for Understanding

00:49

Variational free energy as a solution to intractable integration problem

00:56

Success in Sharing Valuable Information

00:37

Understanding the Prerequisites for University-Level Mathematics

01:56

Intro

2min

Navigating the Complexities of Consciousness and Self-Reflection

2min

Exploring the Journey of Understanding: The Free Energy Principle Introduction

4min

Understanding the Free Energy Principle

29min

Exploring Consciousness and Innovative Shaving Technology

3min

Probability and Statistical Inference

17min

Understanding Repression and Decision-Making

18min

Navigating the Depths of Consciousness

29min

Navigating Consciousness: Psychedelics and Meditation

18min

10.

Exploring Anxiety Management and Fear Extinction Techniques

3min

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/SWtFU1Lit3M

This podcast may be the most important one on this channel.

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LINKS MENTIONED:

-Part 1 with Karl Friston (technical): https://youtu.be/2v7LBABwZKA

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Exigent Message / Introduction

00:07:25 The Free Energy Principle's TOE explained

00:15:48 The FEP explained for physicists

00:18:24 The "external world" is dual to "you"

00:24:25 Relationship between senses and actions

00:36:25 Marginal likelihood / Model evidencing

00:54:34 Change your evidence or change your model (Repression vs. CBT)

00:58:51 An exercise to show a difference in consciousness via touching one's eye

01:03:09 Science "works" by definition of "works"!

01:12:45 Advice for those trying to understand reality

01:22:45 Dealing with derealization / spiraling mentally / depersonalization

01:34:34 Don't let the social status of having "ego death" be your lure

01:37:12 Acceptance therapy (ACT from CBT)

01:43:09 Being too much in one's head (thought loops)

01:53:09 How does Karl prevent existential crises when studying these issues?

01:56:34 The benefits of tea and smoking (yes, smoking)

01:59:28 Beta-blockers and fear extinction (Merel Kindt's groundbreaking work)

* * *

Just wrapped (April 2021) a documentary called Better Left Unsaid http://betterleftunsaidfilm.com on the topic of "when does the left go too far?" Visit that site if you'd like to watch it.

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