Dr. Anil Seth, a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience, shares insights from his book, Being You. He discusses the scientific definition of consciousness, challenges the idea of free will, and presents the fascinating concept of reality as a controlled hallucination. Seth reveals how the Dreamachine art installation evokes profound consciousness experiences. The conversation also explores consciousness across different life forms, linking neural architecture and identity through predictive processing, while bridging science with ancient wisdom.
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insights INSIGHT
Consciousness Defined as Experience
Consciousness is defined as the presence of experience, or what it feels like to be an organism.
It doesn't necessarily imply intelligence, language, or an independent self.
insights INSIGHT
Three Aspects of Consciousness
Consciousness can be understood as global level, content, and self-experience.
These aspects help isolate parts of consciousness without tackling the whole 'hard problem'.
insights INSIGHT
Nervous Systems and Consciousness
Consciousness appears closely tied to nervous systems, typically found in animals.
Rich behaviors in fungi and plants suggest complexity but likely lack conscious experience.
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The Overstory is a sweeping and impassioned work of environmental fiction that follows the lives of nine individuals whose paths are intertwined by their connections to trees. The novel is structured in four parts – 'Roots', 'Trunk', 'Crown', and 'Seeds' – mirroring the parts of a tree. It delves into themes of ecology, climate change, and the interconnectedness of trees and humans, using a blend of science, history, and magical realism. The book advocates for the protection of trees and the natural world, posing critical questions about humanity's relationship with the environment and the long-term consequences of human actions[2][4][5].
Helgoland
Making Sense of the Quantum Revolution
Carlo Rovelli
In 'Helgoland', Carlo Rovelli delves into the mysteries of quantum theory, tracing its origins back to Werner Heisenberg's breakthrough on the island of Helgoland in the North Sea. The book discusses how quantum mechanics has led to profound scientific and technological advancements, yet remains deeply mysterious. Rovelli advocates for the relational interpretation of quantum mechanics, suggesting that reality is composed of interactions and relationships rather than fixed objects. He explores the implications of this perspective on our understanding of reality, consciousness, and the nature of self, drawing parallels with philosophical and cultural influences.
Being You
A New Science of Consciousness
Anil Seth
In 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness,' Anil Seth presents a radical new theory of consciousness, arguing that we are 'prediction machines' constantly inventing and correcting our perception of the world. The book delves into the biological mechanisms of the brain, exploring how billions of neurons create our conscious experience. Seth discusses the 'controlled hallucination' viewpoint, active inference, and the 'beast machine' theory, which views consciousness as a process of regulating the body's essential variables through interoceptive signals. The book is a synthesis of philosophy, science, literature, and personal experience, making complex science accessible and engaging[1][3][5].
Entangled Life
How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures
Merlin Sheldrake
In 'Entangled Life,' Merlin Sheldrake delves into the fascinating world of fungi, discussing their roles in decomposition, fermentation, nutrient distribution, and the production of psilocybin. The book examines how fungi interact with plants and animals, including their ability to manipulate insect behavior and form vast underground networks known as the 'Wood Wide Web.' Sheldrake also explores the historical and modern uses of fungi, from food and medicine to their potential in environmental remediation. The book is both a scientific exploration and a personal account, challenging traditional concepts of intelligence and individuality and offering a new perspective on the interconnectedness of life.
The living brain
The living brain
Walter, William Grey, 1910-1977.
Dr. Anil Seth has written an extraordinary book called Being You — A New Science of Consciousness. I had a chance to talk to him recently in an event sponsored by Science & Wisdom Live. Dr. Seth is one of the world's foremost researchers on consciousness, and in our interview he touches on defining consciousness from a scientific perspective, whether we have free will, and the notion of reality as a controlled hallucination. He also talks about an art installation called the Dreamachine that he helped create, which can induce profound direct experiences of consciousness.
From August 28 to 31, Scott Snibbe is leading an in-person meditation retreat at Vajrapani Institute. We’ll explore antidotes to anxiety, fear, and loneliness—and cultivate the deeper causes of a happy mind; connected, loving relationships; and a better world. It all happens in the beautiful redwood forests of California, while enjoying delicious vegetarian meals and meeting thoughtful new friends.
How to Train a Happy Mind 
