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Philosophy For Our Times

Consciousness - a science or a philosophy? | Avshalom Elitzur

Jun 11, 2024
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.
35:04

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Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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