80,000 Hours Podcast

#67 Classic episode – David Chalmers on the nature and ethics of consciousness

Jan 3, 2022
David Chalmers, a renowned philosopher at NYU and expert on consciousness, delves into the fascinating nature of self-awareness and moral status in this lively conversation. He introduces the concept of 'philosophical zombies' to question our perceptions of consciousness. The discussion tackles ethical dilemmas around AI, animal suffering, and the implications of virtual reality on our understanding of identity. Chalmers challenges listeners to rethink the moral weight of consciousness in both biological and artificial beings, sparking profound reflections on existence.
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INSIGHT

Philosophy's Role

  • Philosophy excels as an incubator for other disciplines because it tackles hard problems.
  • Once solutions or methods emerge, these areas often spin off into separate fields.
INSIGHT

Value of Philosophical Progress

  • Philosophy progresses through clarifying questions, creating frameworks, and refining arguments, even without definitive answers.
  • This 'smaller' progress enhances understanding, which holds intellectual value.
ADVICE

Embrace Novel Ideas

  • Explore unconventional philosophical views, even if they seem wacky, to potentially uncover deeper understanding.
  • Avoid excessive focus on novelty for its own sake, as it can hinder genuine progress.
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