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The Realisation Festival Podcast

The confidence to be human in an age of AI. A conversation about the complexity of things with Mazviita Chirimuuta

Jan 29, 2025
Mazviita Chirimuuta, a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and author of 'The Brain Abstracted,' discusses the intricate dance between neuroscience and philosophy. She challenges reductionism and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to understanding human experience, especially in our AI-driven world. The conversation delves into the ethical implications of technology, the ongoing relevance of the concept of the soul, and the unpredictable nature of human behavior, emphasizing our need for deeper connections to creativity and knowledge.
41:42

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Quick takeaways

  • Interdisciplinary approaches combining philosophy and neuroscience provide richer insights into human identity and meaning beyond reductionist thinking.
  • Recognizing the limitations of computational methods in neuroscience emphasizes the importance of holistic interpretations in understanding complex human experiences.

Deep dives

Bridging Disciplines for Broader Understanding

The discussion highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding complex human questions related to identity, meaning, and purpose. The speaker emphasizes that a broad academic background, particularly in philosophy and neuroscience, encourages connections across different fields, which is essential for addressing our human condition. This eclectic integration allows for richer exploration compared to hyper-specialization, which often limits insight. By revisiting historical philosophical contexts, such as those of Plato, the conversation suggests that we must intertwine diverse knowledge systems to grasp the intricacies of existence more fully.

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