Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke Dr. James Cooke on the place of consciousness in the natural world | Living Mirrors #19
Oct 7, 2020
Delve into the intricate relationship between consciousness and the physical world, challenging materialistic views. Discover how consciousness might be an inherent feature of all living systems, linking it to essential life processes. The discussion reexamines historical animistic beliefs, encouraging a broader understanding of consciousness beyond just humans. Explore how consciousness interacts with the brain and environment, advocating for a holistic approach that emphasizes their interconnectedness.
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Consciousness as a Process
- Dr. Cooke aims to address the mind-body problem, questioning how consciousness relates to the material world.
- He views reality as a process, not separate substances, with matter quantifiable and consciousness a process linked to life.
Life, Inference, and Consciousness
- Life, a pattern in matter, requires inference for self-preservation.
- Living systems, being bounded, must infer their surroundings to maintain structure, giving rise to consciousness.
Consciousness in All Life
- Consciousness exists in all living systems, from single cells to humans, though its content varies.
- Evaluating consciousness theories requires intuition due to its private nature, leading to varying views across cultures.