#261 – Philip Goff: Consciousness, Panpsychism, and the Philosophy of Mind

134 snips

Feb 3, 2022

In this discussion, Philip Goff, a philosopher at Durham University and author of 'Galileo’s Error', dives deep into the concept of panpsychism, suggesting that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe. He explores how this perspective contrasts with traditional views like materialism. The dialogue also touches on the relationship between consciousness and morality, critiquing the idea of philosophical zombies. Goff challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of consciousness, individuality, and even the ethical treatment of non-human animals.

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INSIGHT

Consciousness: A Unique Scientific Challenge

Consciousness isn't publicly observable, making it unique for scientific study.
We know it through direct awareness, not external experiments, requiring an expanded scientific method.

INSIGHT

Panpsychism vs. Illusionism

Philip Goff supports panpsychism, believing consciousness is fundamental to all matter.
Daniel Dennett believes that consciousness, being empirically unverifiable, doesn't exist.

INSIGHT

Unique Human Traits

Humans uniquely reflect on conscious experience, plan for the future, and respond to reasons.
Unlike animals, humans consider values in decisions, accessing objective truths about worthwhile goals.

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Sam Harris

In 'Free Will,' Sam Harris argues that the concept of free will is inherently flawed and incoherent. He contends that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are determined by prior causes outside our conscious control, whether these causes are deterministic or the result of chance. Harris uses examples such as the Cheshire murders to illustrate how even heinous crimes can be seen as the product of uncontrollable experiences and neurological mechanisms, rather than free will. The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on morality, law, and personal responsibility in light of this understanding[2][4][5].

The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy

Douglas Adams

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Finnegans Wake

David Hayman

James Joyce

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Galileo's Error

Philip Goff

Varieties of Religious Experience

William James

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Philip Goff

Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness

Phillip Goff

Dennett's multiple drafts model

Daniel Dennett

The key to life is to be unborable

David Foster Wallace

Gettier problem

Edmund Gettier

What Is It Like to Be a Bat?

Thomas Nagel

Thomas Nagel's essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" is a seminal work in philosophy of mind. It explores the subjective nature of consciousness and the challenges of understanding other minds. Nagel argues that even with complete physical knowledge of a bat's brain, we cannot fully grasp its subjective experience. This essay highlights the limitations of reductionist approaches to consciousness. It continues to be a central text in discussions about qualia, subjective experience, and the mind-body problem.

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Giulio Tononi

Philosophical Zombies

David Chalmers

The art of computer programming

Donald Knuth

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Derek Monsey

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Carl Jung

Naturalistic Dualism

David Papineau

No specific book found

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Vince Houghton

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Martin Picard

A treatise of human nature

David Hume

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Our Mathematical Universe

My Quest for the Ultimate Nature of Reality

Max Tegmark

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Being You

A New Science of Consciousness

Anil Seth

In 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness,' Anil Seth presents a radical new theory of consciousness, arguing that we are 'prediction machines' constantly inventing and correcting our perception of the world. The book delves into the biological mechanisms of the brain, exploring how billions of neurons create our conscious experience. Seth discusses the 'controlled hallucination' viewpoint, active inference, and the 'beast machine' theory, which views consciousness as a process of regulating the body's essential variables through interoceptive signals. The book is a synthesis of philosophy, science, literature, and personal experience, making complex science accessible and engaging[1][3][5].

The presence of the past

morphic resonance and the habits of nature

Rupert Sheldrake

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Bernard Williams

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J.P. Moreland

Brandon Ricker

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Mind Time

Benjamin Libet

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Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro

Jiro Ono

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Owen Flanagan

Annika Harris

Zombies and Equal Rights

Jeff Lee

The Concept of Disenchantment by Max Weber

Understanding Modern Society

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Illusionism and Morality

Francois Camille

No information available.

The Grand Design

null

George Orwell

Mystical Conceptions of Reality

Miriel Bihari

No information available.

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No book titled 'MindChat' by Keith Frankish found

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D. Dennett and his Theory of Consciousness

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