Making Sense with Sam Harris #159 — Conscious
Jun 6, 2019
Annaka Harris, an author and science writer, discusses her thought-provoking book on consciousness. She shares insights on the complexities of consciousness and its significance in literature and daily life. The conversation features humorous anecdotes about her first meeting with Sam Harris, revealing their shared passion for philosophy. They delve into the hard problems of consciousness, evolutionary implications, and the intriguing concept of panpsychism, inviting listeners to reconsider their perceptions of awareness and free will.
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The Hard Problem of Consciousness
- Some struggle to grasp the "hard problem" of consciousness, questioning its uniqueness.
- They may deny its mystery or equate it with other scientific unknowns.
Internal vs. External Observation
- People confuse external observation with internal experience.
- Experience is key to understanding consciousness, not just external behavior.
Intuitive Beliefs about Consciousness
- Annaka Harris uses personal examples like a child crying or witnessing an accident.
- These examples highlight our intuitive belief that behavior signals consciousness.
