Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

71 | Philip Goff on Consciousness Everywhere

Nov 4, 2019
In this engaging discussion, Philip Goff, a Professor of Philosophy at Durham University and author of "Galileo's Error," dives deep into the concept of panpsychism, proposing that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe. He explores the challenges of reconciling qualitative experiences with physical processes, and critiques traditional views of consciousness through thought experiments like Chalmers' zombie scenario. Goff advocates for a more inclusive understanding of consciousness, suggesting it pervades all matter, from atoms to animals.
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INSIGHT

Quantities vs. Qualities

  • Physical science uses quantitative terms, while consciousness is qualitative.
  • This clash between quantities and qualities creates a core problem in understanding consciousness.
INSIGHT

Galileo's Separation of Consciousness

  • Galileo's focus on quantifying the physical world led him to place consciousness outside the realm of science.
  • This separation contributed to the success of physics but also created the challenge of integrating consciousness back into the scientific narrative.
INSIGHT

Empirical Argument Against Dualism

  • Dualism, with its immaterial mind influencing the brain, should be empirically detectable.
  • Neuroscience doesn't observe these expected influences, providing an argument against dualism.
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