The Gradient: Perspectives on AI Philip Goff: Panpsychism as a Theory of Consciousness
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Dec 12, 2024 
Philip Goff, a British philosopher and author known for his work on consciousness, dives into the intriguing world of panpsychism. He discusses how this framework can bridge the gap between science and consciousness. Goff critiques traditional views like physicalism and explores hybrid cosmopsychism, suggesting that consciousness might be a fundamental component of reality itself. He addresses the complexities of personal identity through bundle theory and highlights the significance of integrated information theory in understanding consciousness better.
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Philosophy's Role in Science
- Philip Goff and Sean Carroll agree on the importance of philosophy in interpreting scientific evidence.
- Consciousness is unique because it's not publicly observable, limiting experimental possibilities and requiring philosophical judgment.
Evaluating Theories and the Primacy of Mind
- Goff emphasizes the importance of Occam's Razor in evaluating theories, preferring simpler explanations.
- He believes the mind is better known than the body, giving us more certain access to our conscious experiences.
Phenomenal Transparency vs. Physicalism
- Goff's argument for phenomenal transparency suggests that our concepts of consciousness, like pain, are essence-revealing.
- This challenges physicalism, which struggles to explain the subjective, qualitative nature of experience.
