Chelsea Whyte, a physicist, delves deep into the double-slit experiment, suggesting that our understanding of light as a wave may be fundamentally flawed. The discussion heats up as dark photons emerge as possible game-changers in quantum mechanics. Transitioning from light to the mind, the conversation ponders two competing theories of consciousness, examining complex studies that probe what it truly means to be aware. Finally, discover how a groundbreaking study decodes dolphin whistles, revealing their intricate social structure and ability to 'name' themselves.
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insights INSIGHT
Rethinking Light and Double Slit Experiment
The double slit experiment traditionally shows light as both wave and particle.
New research suggests light is only particles and dark photons cause the dark interference spots.
insights INSIGHT
Consciousness as Integrated Information
Integrated Information Theory (IIT) proposes consciousness exists wherever information is integrated.
IIT suggests even objects like rocks or fetuses exhibit some level of consciousness.
insights INSIGHT
Global Workspace Consciousness Theory
Global Neuronal Workspace Theory states consciousness arises when information is broadcast across the brain.
Consciousness is linked to front brain regions that compete for attention.
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In 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness,' Anil Seth presents a radical new theory of consciousness, arguing that we are 'prediction machines' constantly inventing and correcting our perception of the world. The book delves into the biological mechanisms of the brain, exploring how billions of neurons create our conscious experience. Seth discusses the 'controlled hallucination' viewpoint, active inference, and the 'beast machine' theory, which views consciousness as a process of regulating the body's essential variables through interoceptive signals. The book is a synthesis of philosophy, science, literature, and personal experience, making complex science accessible and engaging[1][3][5].
Episode 301
Our understanding of the nature of light might be completely wrong. The double-slit experiment is one of the most famous experiments in physics and is how we’ve understood light for over 200 years. But a team is now suggesting we’ve got the interpretation all wrong - that light is in fact not a wave and is only made up of particles. If true, this is major. The authors of this study were left scrambling as “all hell broke loose” when they made the discovery. And the best part? Dark photons may be involved.
A 7 year study into the nature of consciousness has reached its conclusion - pitting two major theories against one another. Integrated information theory suggests levels of consciousness exist in any system, including rocks and fetuses. Global neuronal workspace theory claims specific brain regions are responsible for consciousness. After 256 brain scans - are we any closer to an answer?
A decades-long study involving 170 wild dolphins has allowed biologists to decode their whistles. Hear dolphins recorded in the waters of Sarasota, Florida, which show how the animals communicate in various ways - and even give themselves names.
Chapters:
(00:45) Dark photons and our understanding of light
(11:07) Major theories of consciousness go head-to-head
(21:05) Decoding whale language
Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Chelsea Whyte, Celso Villas-Boas, Gerhard Rempe, Christof Koch, Anil Seth and Laela Sayigh.
The world, the universe and us 