Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke Keith Frankish on consciousness as an illusion | Living Mirrors #87
Mar 25, 2022
In this enlightening discussion, Keith Frankish, a prominent philosopher and expert in the philosophy of mind, challenges our understanding of consciousness. He critiques traditional views, suggesting consciousness may just be an illusion shaped by our environment. Frankish explores the dichotomy of consciousness and reality, arguing for a more integrated approach. He also questions the existence of free will and reflects on our journey from primitive beings to self-aware organisms. Ultimately, he advocates for a harmonious blend of science and spirituality in understanding consciousness.
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Consciousness as a Private Inner World
- Consciousness is often viewed as a private inner world that is radically distinct from the physical brain.
- This view creates the "hard problem" of explaining how physical processes produce private experiences.
Consciousness as Interaction, Not Substance
- Keith Frankish argues consciousness exists but the metaphysical picture of a private mental realm is flawed.
- Consciousness is better understood as interaction, sensitivity, and response to the world, not an extra mental substance.
Subjective Feelings Mirror Complex Reactions
- Experiences like pain represent complex, multi-dimensional reactive patterns in the brain and body.
- Our language describes these complex reactions as "feelings," but the 'feel' isn't a separate essence from these reactions.
