Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Stuart Hameroff on Penrose, Self-Similar Consciousness, and Time Travelling Free Will (technical)

9 snips
Mar 4, 2021
Guest
Stuart Hameroff
Stuart Hameroff, an anesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona, dives deep into the mysteries of consciousness tied to quantum mechanics. He explains how microtubules may hold the key to our understanding of consciousness, proposing that they enable quantum processes in the brain. The conversation explores time perception and the influence of stressful experiences on consciousness, while also touching on fascinating studies linking psychedelics to brain activity. Hameroff challenges conventional beliefs, raising thought-provoking questions on free will and the interconnectedness of all existence.
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ANECDOTE

Hameroff's Path to Anesthesiology

  • Stuart Hameroff's interest in consciousness began during his undergraduate philosophy class.
  • He later chose anesthesiology to study consciousness, inspired by his mentor's suggestion.
INSIGHT

Penrose's Non-Computational Consciousness

  • Penrose argues consciousness isn't computational, using Gödel's theorem, and involves quantum physics.
  • He suggests superposition, explained through general relativity, involves space-time separation.
ANECDOTE

Hameroff and Penrose's First Meeting

  • Hameroff wrote to Penrose, suggesting microtubules as the brain's quantum computer.
  • Penrose invited Hameroff to Oxford, beginning their collaboration on consciousness.
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