S36 E3: "The World Behind the World: Consciousness, Free Will, and the Limits of Science" by Erik Hoel
Oct 11, 2023
14:26
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Neuroscientist Erik Hoel discusses the brain's role in creating conscious experiences. Topics include: the search for a scientific theory of consciousness, the integration of the hemispheres hypothesis, comparing encounters in the Odyssey and Ulysses, and the debate on free will with concepts from chaos theory and causal emergence.
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Quick takeaways
There are two fundamental perspectives on the world: the extrinsic and the intrinsic, and reconciling them is crucial for understanding consciousness.
Scientists are striving to find a scientific theory of consciousness that explains how the brain transforms information into the intrinsic qualities we experience.
Deep dives
Two fundamental perspectives on the world
There are two fundamental perspectives on the world: the extrinsic and the intrinsic. The extrinsic perspective focuses on the mechanism and causation of the external world, while the intrinsic perspective explores consciousness and the subjective experience of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
The need to reconcile the two perspectives
Reconciling the extrinsic and intrinsic perspectives is crucial for understanding consciousness. While they are different, scientists strive to find a scientific theory of consciousness that explains how the brain transforms information into the intrinsic qualities we experience. Neuroscience acts as a bridge between the humanities and other sciences, as it seeks to reconcile these perspectives.
The search for a scientific theory of consciousness
The search for a scientific theory of consciousness aims to explain how the brain generates experiences, sensations, and thoughts. Francis Crick and Gerald Edelman, two prominent scientists, pioneered approaches to studying consciousness. Crick focused on finding neural correlates of consciousness, while Edelman sought a theoretical leap forward. Despite progress, there is currently no well-supported theory of consciousness.
Today: a fascinating exploration into how the brain creates our conscious experiences — potentially revolutionizing neuroscience and the future of technology.
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