Mind-Body Solution
Susan Blackmore: A New Approach to Consciousness from the Perspective of a Panpsychism of Models
Apr 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Susan Blackmore, a thought leader on consciousness and author, shares her insights on the evolving nature of consciousness and the philosophical implications of panpsychism. She explores how mental models influence our perception and challenges traditional views of reality. Delving into altered states induced by meditation and psychedelics, she uncovers their transformative potential. Blackmore also reflects on the exciting interplay between AI and cosmopsychism, offering a provocative glimpse into the future of consciousness.
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Quick takeaways
- Susan Blackmore emphasizes the importance of mental models in understanding consciousness, proposing a departure from traditional views tied to physical entities.
- The panpsychist perspective explored suggests consciousness exists within all active mental models, challenging conventional definitions limited to biological beings.
Deep dives
Challenging Consciousness Assumptions
The concept of consciousness is reevaluated, proposing that existing assumptions regarding what constitutes consciousness are flawed. Traditionally, consciousness is viewed as tied to physical objects, implying that entities like a bat possess consciousness. This approach leads to philosophical problems, particularly the hard problem of consciousness. By shifting the focus from the object of consciousness to the mental models that define our perception, the discussion invites a more nuanced understanding of consciousness.
