Lex Fridman Podcast

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

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.

02:53:05

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Episode guests

Phillip Goff

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Empowering Personal Decisions Through Data and Tools

2min

Navigating Careers, Nutrition, and Mental Health

3min

Consciousness and the Scientific Lens

20min

The Pursuit of Meaning: Pleasure vs. Goals

13min

Exploring Consciousness and Expertise

28min

The Dynamics of Expertise

4min

Exploring Panpsychism: Consciousness as Fundamental

26min

Exploring Information and Consciousness: Complexity and Subjective Experience

3min

10.

Consciousness and Suffering in Non-Human Animals

6min

11.

Consciousness and Morality: The Zombie Dilemma

26min

12.

Consciousness Explained: Ontology and Epistemology

5min

13.

Debating Consciousness at Sea

11min

14.

Free Will and Consciousness: A Complex Exploration

20min

15.

Exploring Hope and Purpose in Existence

3min

Philip Goff is a philosopher of mind and consciousness at Durham University and author of Galileo’s Error. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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EPISODE LINKS:
Philip’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Philip_Goff
Philip’s Website: http://www.philipgoffphilosophy.com/
Galileo’s Error (book): https://amzn.to/3ustY5B
Consciousness and Fundamental Reality (book): https://amzn.to/3ojldH1

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:40) – Conscious matter
(41:06) – Death, mystical experiences and collective consciousness
(51:30) – The authority of expertise
(1:12:27) – Panpsychism and physics
(1:41:11) – Suffering, zombies and illusion
(2:13:57) – JRE podcast recap
(2:25:33) – Free will
(2:43:12) – Are we living in a simulation?
(2:47:04) – Meaning of life

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