Brave New World -- hosted by Vasant Dhar
Ep 94: Anil Seth On The Science of Consciousness
Apr 10, 2025
Anil Seth, a Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex and author of 'Being You,' delves into the nature of consciousness. He discusses how our brains construct reality through predictions and the concept of 'controlled hallucinations.' Seth also explores fascinating topics such as animal consciousness, particularly in octopuses, and the ethical implications of machine learning in understanding animal communication. He raises profound questions about whether consciousness can exist in non-biological entities and examines the complex relationship between free will and consciousness.
01:18:04
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Quick takeaways
- Advancements in technology have greatly enhanced our ability to observe brain activity, facilitating a deeper understanding of consciousness and its complexities.
- The phenomenon of general anesthesia starkly contrasts with sleep, highlighting the complete absence of consciousness and prompting questions about the brain's mechanisms during this state.
Deep dives
Exploring Consciousness
The conversation delves into the nature of consciousness, emphasizing that it's a long-standing inquiry in both philosophy and science. It highlights that the increase in interest in this subject has coincided with advancements in technologies that allow for the observation of brain activity, providing data to understand consciousness better. This change in perspective has opened doors for new practical applications, such as understanding brain injuries and psychiatric disorders, along with exploring the consciousness of AI. The attention given to consciousness now reflects a recognition of its significance across various societal dimensions.
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