The Michael Shermer Show 282. Anil Seth on the Hard Problem of Consciousness, the Self, and the Essence of Volition
Jun 21, 2022
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The Problem of Consciousness
- Consciousness is what disappears during dreamless sleep or general anesthesia and returns upon waking.
- The fundamental question is why some arrangements of matter are conscious while others are not.
Resurgence of Consciousness Studies
- The resurgence of consciousness studies is due to new research methods like brain imaging and a renewed focus on subjective experience.
- Prominent scientists like Crick and Edelman legitimized the field, paving the way for others.
Anesthesia and Consciousness
- Michael Shermer recounts asking anesthesiologists where consciousness goes during anesthesia.
- They typically respond that it doesn't "go" anywhere; it's merely a chemical process being turned off and on.