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StarTalk Radio
The Hard Problem of Consciousness with David Chalmers
Nov 1, 2024
David Chalmers, a renowned philosopher and cognitive scientist at NYU, dives into the perplexing nature of consciousness. He discusses why consciousness is deemed a 'hard problem' and explores its implications in understanding reality. The conversation touches on theories of animal consciousness, the relationship between subjective experiences and AI, and philosophical ideas like 'philosophical zombies.' They also examine how consciousness ties into color perception and even the evolution of our understanding of physics, raising questions about the nature of existence itself.
46:48
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Quick takeaways
- Consciousness is a 'hard problem' due to its subjective nature, complicating its scientific and philosophical exploration across individuals and species.
- The debate on whether consciousness is an emergent property or an evolved trait highlights its complex origins and implications for survival.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Consciousness
Consciousness is portrayed as a profoundly complex phenomenon, often categorized as a 'hard problem' due to its subjective nature. The subjective experience of consciousness diverges from objective measurements, leading to debates among scientists and philosophers alike. For example, while neuroscientists explore various brain areas that may correlate with conscious experience, there is not yet a consensus on where consciousness resides. This complexity raises questions about how different individuals can experience the same stimuli in vastly different ways, enhancing the debate surrounding consciousness.
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