Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 311 | Annaka Harris on Whether Consciousness is Fundamental
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Apr 14, 2025 
Annaka Harris, author of 'Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind,' dives into the profound intricacies of consciousness. She explores whether consciousness is a product of brain activity or a fundamental aspect of reality. The conversation touches on split-brain research, the relationship between memory and self, and even questions the potential for AI consciousness. Harris advocates for open dialogue in understanding these complex ideas, bridging neuroscience and philosophy to illuminate the mysteries of the mind.
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Consciousness Defined
- Annaka Harris defines consciousness as the fundamental experience of feeling.
- This definition includes simple creatures like worms and insects, focusing on subjective experience rather than self-awareness.
Challenging Assumptions
- Neuroscientific findings challenge common assumptions about consciousness arising from complexity.
- Annaka Harris explores the possibility of consciousness being fundamental to nature, rather than emergent.
Split-Brain Patients
- Split-brain research reveals potential for multiple consciousnesses within a single brain.
- This research involved severing the corpus callosum in epilepsy patients, leading to independent processing centers.
