Philosophy For Our Times
What is consciousness? PART 1 | Iain Mcgilchrist, Roger Penrose and Steve Fuller
Sep 25, 2024
In this thought-provoking discussion, Iain Mcgilchrist, a prominent neuroscientist and philosopher, joins Nobel laureate Roger Penrose, a mathematical physicist, and postmodern sociologist Steve Fuller. They dive into the elusive nature of consciousness, exploring its potential quantum links and challenging traditional views. Topics include shared consciousness, the mind-body connection, and the historical context of consciousness across various entities, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for all.
14:09
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Quick takeaways
- The conversation highlights the necessity of redefining consciousness to encompass various forms of embodiment, including artificial intelligence and potential extraterrestrial intelligences.
- Participants explore the intricate relationship between consciousness and mathematical thought, suggesting that consciousness enables comprehension of concepts beyond physical existence.
Deep dives
The Quest to Understand Consciousness
The podcast delves into the ongoing challenge of explaining consciousness, with participants examining various theories and perspectives. Ian McGillchrist suggests that understanding consciousness may require a revised approach to quantum mechanics, hinting at the need for a more consistent framework beyond current theories. Roger Penrose highlights the limitations of sequential analytic thinking when attempting to grasp the complex nature of consciousness. He argues that consciousness may inherently elude a complete understanding due to its unique quality, akin to mathematical concepts that defy simple explanation.
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