Chris Fields: What is a Theory of Consciousness for? Quantum Mechanics, Minds & Minimal Physicalism

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Sep 17, 2024

In this discussion, Chris Fields, an independent scientist with a rich background in physics and cognitive neuroscience, explores the fascinating intersection of consciousness and quantum mechanics. He delves into the concept of minimal physicalism and its implications for understanding consciousness across different life forms. Topics include the free energy principle's role in explaining complexities, the philosophical debates around the mind-body problem, and how quantum uncertainties challenge traditional views of reality. It's a thought-provoking journey into the nature of awareness and existence.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

Understanding Consciousness Through Minimal Physicalism

04:40 • 7min

Understanding Complexity through the Free Energy Principle

12:05 • 3min

Consciousness and Inquiry: A Philosophical Journey

14:56 • 10min

Quantum Mechanics and Reality

24:30 • 21min

Consciousness and Quantum Uncertainty

45:04 • 21min

Collaborative Insights on Consciousness

01:06:00 • 7min

WATCH: https://youtu.be/jW2C3ZNzijE

Chris Fields, PhD., is an independent scientist interested in both the physics and the cognitive neuroscience underlying the human perception of objects as spatially and temporally bounded entities. He began his career as an experimental physicist, obtained his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Science (University of Colorado, Boulder, 1985), and was an early developer of automated DNA sequence analysis tools and systems for the Human Genome Project. He has published over 150 refereed papers in nuclear physics, artificial intelligence, molecular biology and cognitive psychology. He holds U.S Patent # 5355435 (1994) for an integrated circuit chip that simulates a mammalian cortical neuron. Dr. Fields was the founding Scientific Director of the National Center for Genome Resources (Santa Fe, NM) and the founding Chief Scientific Officer of Molecular Informatics Inc. His particular interests include quantum information theory and quantum computing on the one hand, and creative problem solving, early childhood development and autism-spectrum conditions on the other. TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction (1:20) - Consciousness (5:27) - Minimal Physicalism (12:40) - Complexity & the Free Energy Principle (FEP) (15:59) - The Mind-Body Problem (19:00) - The Proxy War of Consciousness (24:59) - Quantum Mechanics & Spacetime & Consciousness (36:13) - Quantum theories of consciousness (39:30) - Folk Psychology & the Observer Effect (43:35) - Chris' view on Free Will (45:30) - Teleology (49:44) - Panpsychism (55:38) - Inexplicability & Humility (1:00:40) - Illusionism to Panpsychism to Idealism (1:06:10) - Consciousness collaborations (1:10:50) - Make the smallest assumptions as possible (1:12:45) - Conclusion EPISODE LINKS: - Chris' Website: https://chrisfieldsresearch.com/ - Chris' Active Inference Lecture Series: https://youtu.be/SV0glS6stuA?feature=shared - Chris' Publications: https://tinyurl.com/2a8f5a2k CONNECT: - Website: https://tevinnaidu.com - Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/drtevinnaidu - Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtevinnaidu - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu ============================= Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.