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Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal
The Science of New States of Consciousness | Andrés Gómez Emilsson
Feb 26, 2025
Andrés Gómez Emilsson, director of the Qualia Research Institute and pioneer in the study of consciousness, shares his insights on the nature of awareness. He discusses the transformative potential of psychedelics and how they intersect with meditation practices. The concept of the self as a series of experiences is explored, alongside the significance of happiness versus meaning. Emilsson emphasizes the role of sensory resonance in shaping perception and the ethical implications of engineering happiness, presenting a thought-provoking dialogue on consciousness.
02:56:01
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Quick takeaways
- A comprehensive theory of consciousness must address four fundamental problems to create a cohesive understanding of awareness.
- The Qualia Research Institute seeks to improve understanding of consciousness through mapping states and emphasizing the interconnectedness of experiences.
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Importance of a Scientific Theory of Consciousness
A scientific theory of consciousness needs to address four fundamental problems: explaining why consciousness exists, the palette problem concerning the variety of qualia, the causal properties of consciousness, and the binding problem which explores how disparate pieces of information come together in a unified experience. Many existing theories tend to ignore one or more of these problems, failing to provide a cohesive understanding of consciousness. This suggests that any credible theory must simultaneously satisfy all these constraints, much like a rocket must achieve escape velocity and maintain structural integrity to reach the moon. Ultimately, the challenge lies in creating a comprehensive model that accurately reflects the multifaceted nature of consciousness.
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