Philosophy For Our Times What is consciousness? PART 2 | Iain Mcgilchrist, Roger Penrose and Steve Fuller
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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.
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Consciousness As Self-Examining Foundation
- Iain McGilchrist says consciousness inspects itself and lies at the base of all knowledge.
- He argues this self-examination requires different forms of experience like poetry or spiritual practice.
Self-Reference Forces Transcendence
- McGilchrist and Roger Penrose discuss self-reference changing the thing observed and requiring transcendence.
- They treat Gödel-style self-transcendence as a positive route beyond formal systems toward consciousness.
Microtubules As Quantum Candidates
- Roger Penrose proposes microtubules could host quantum processes relevant to consciousness.
- He highlights A-lattice microtubules showing unexpected high conductivity at body temperature as evidence worth exploring.