Consciousness - a science or a philosophy? | Avshalom Elitzur
Jun 11, 2024
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Physicist and philosopher Avshalom Elitzur discusses the challenges of understanding consciousness in science, the limitations of science in capturing subjective experiences, the role of consciousness in machines and entities, various philosophical perspectives on consciousness, and the intersection between quantum mechanics, physics, and human attributes.
Quantifying subjective experiences like love or hate through neuronal activities remains a scientific challenge.
Debates on the dual nature of consciousness and matter lead to inquiries about integrating subjective experiences into physical frameworks.
Deep dives
The Mystery of Consciousness
The podcast delves into the enigmatic nature of consciousness and its association with the brain, highlighting the persistent mystery that science has been unable to fully unravel. Despite scientific efforts to quantify qualities like love or hate through neuronal activities, the qualitative essence of consciousness remains elusive. The discussion reflects on the historical struggle involving philosophers like Leibniz, who contemplated the limitations of understanding consciousness solely through physical processes.
Qualia and the Mind-Body Problem
The episode scrutinizes the concept of qualia, emphasizing the challenge it poses to scientific explanations of subjective experiences such as colors or tastes. The distinction between physical processes and conscious experiences is underscored, raising questions about understanding the essence of qualia. The podcast explores various philosophical perspectives, including David Dennett's notion that humans and even philosophical zombies may lack intrinsic qualia.
Exploring Dualism in Consciousness
The exploration extends to the philosophical debate surrounding dualism, particularly the dual nature of consciousness and matter. Concepts like physicalism, dualism, and identity theory are discussed within the context of how consciousness interacts with the physical world. The episode explores the complexity of integrating subjective experiences within a materialistic framework, leading to philosophical inquiries about the nature of consciousness.
The Role of Consciousness in Freedom of Choice
Lastly, the podcast raises intriguing questions about consciousness influencing free will and choice. Insights from physicists like Yakira Haronov and Sir Roger Penrose are highlighted, presenting speculations on how quantum mechanics and the nature of time might relate to human consciousness. The nuanced discussion contemplates the intricate relationship between consciousness, free choice, and the uncharted territories of physics in comprehending human experiences.
Why has the concept of consciousness stumped scientists forever? Is there a way of overcoming this impasse?
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Join physicist and philosopher Avshalom Elitzur as he fearlessly accompanies physics to its logical limitations - the understanding of our lived experiences and, most importantly, our consciousness. Elitzur takes Leibniz' challenge to scientists as his starting point and ends by defending what some may term a more mystical interpretation of material reality.
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