Modern Wisdom #272 - Philip Goff - What Is Consciousness?
Jan 21, 2021
Philip Goff, a Professor of Philosophy at Durham University, dives deep into the enigma of consciousness. He discusses the philosophical gaps in traditional theories, arguing that they fall short of explaining our subjective experiences. Goff elaborates on concepts like panpsychism, which suggests consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe, and explores the intersection of consciousness and time. He also touches on existential crises in a privileged world and the emotional impact of spirituality in sacred spaces, enriching our understanding of what it means to be conscious.
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Consciousness: A Unique Scientific Challenge
- Consciousness is not publicly observable, unlike other scientific phenomena.
- This makes it challenging to study through traditional scientific methods like observation and experiment.
Dualism vs. Materialism
- Dualism posits consciousness as non-physical, while materialism equates it with brain activity.
- Both struggle to explain how physical processes give rise to subjective experience.
Goff's Critique of Dualism
- Philip Goff finds dualism unsatisfying due to its disunified nature, separating physical and non-physical realms.
- He questions whether neuroscience currently has the tools to assess dualism's claims.
