Inner Cosmos with David Eagleman Ep83 "Why Do Your 30 Trillion Cells Feel Like a Self?" Part 2
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Dec 2, 2024 
Joining David Eagleman is Michael Levin, a developmental biologist renowned for his work on bioelectricity and regeneration. They explore the emergence of self from the brain's categorization abilities. Levin shares insights from observing metamorphosis in caterpillars and ant colonies, challenging conventional ideas of identity. They delve into the rubber hand illusion, showcasing the brain's adaptability. The discussion reveals how memories are fluid constructs, evolving over time and shaping our understanding of who we are.
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Understanding the Self
- Think of selves as systems with goals, constantly observing the world and themselves.
- Selves must change to stay alive, learning and adapting through feedback loops.
Illusion of Constant Self
- We have an illusion of a constant self because our brains simplify complex information by grouping inputs into categories.
- This allows us to recognize persistent objects and apply this to ourselves, creating a sense of unchanging identity.
Diverse Intelligence
- Diverse intelligence explores minds in various forms, recognizing that intelligence emerges gradually from simpler forms.
- It examines how individual components' competencies scale up to create collective intelligence in different systems.