Making Sense with Sam Harris #374 — Consciousness and the Physical World
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Jul 9, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, neuroscientist Christof Koch, a prominent figure in consciousness studies, shares insights from his impressive career and collaborations, including with Francis Crick. He dives into topics like change blindness, the nature of consciousness, and the potential for conscious AI. Koch explores the philosophical implications of physicalism, psychedelic experiences, and Integrated Information Theory. The conversation raises captivating questions about reality, existence, and how consciousness intertwines with our understanding of the physical world.
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Consciousness at the Core
- Christof Koch's interest in consciousness stemmed from early readings in philosophy and physics.
- Physicists like Schrödinger and Mach emphasized the centrality of consciousness in scientific observation.
Koch and Crick's Collaboration
- Koch was surprised by the lack of discussion surrounding consciousness when he transitioned into neuroscience.
- He later collaborated with Francis Crick to investigate its neural correlates.
Crick's Openness
- Sam Harris recalls Crick as an arch materialist who believed the mind is simply the brain's activity.
- Koch clarifies that Crick was open to other possibilities and acknowledged the limitations of this view.
