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Philosophy For Our Times

What is consciousness? PART 2 | Iain Mcgilchrist, Roger Penrose and Steve Fuller

Sep 27, 2024
In this thought-provoking conversation, Iain Mcgilchrist, a prominent neuroscientist and philosopher, joins Nobel laureate Roger Penrose and postmodern sociologist Steve Fuller to explore the elusive nature of consciousness. They dissect whether consciousness exists outside of human thought and its relationship to knowledge and experience. The trio delves into Gödel's theorem, the quantum potential of microtubules, and the impact of technology on our understanding of consciousness. Join them as they navigate the complex intersection of physics, philosophy, and human existence.
14:43

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Quick takeaways

  • Consciousness transcends neurological explanations and demands exploration through unique experiences like poetry and spirituality to truly understand it.
  • The potential link between microtubules and consciousness suggests a need to reconsider the intersection of biology and quantum mechanics.

Deep dives

The Nature of Consciousness

Consciousness is presented as a complex subject that extends beyond mere neurological explanations. One viewpoint suggests that consciousness serves as the foundational basis for all knowledge, implying that it needs to be understood through unique experiences, such as poetry or spiritual insights. Engaging with consciousness involves recognizing the limitations inherent in our methods of inquiry, as attempting to analyze it can lead to distorted perceptions of what consciousness truly is. The discussion emphasizes the need for a different approach, highlighting that traditional analytical methods may not fully capture the essence of consciousness.

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