Anil Seth, a leading expert in cognitive neuroscience and author of "Being You," delves into the nature of consciousness and self-awareness. He explores how our brains create the experience of consciousness and the comforting idea that the self is impermanent. Seth shares personal insights from his battle with long COVID, challenging perceptions of free will and emotional resilience. Additionally, he addresses the future of AI and its implications, suggesting that understanding consciousness can spur significant personal transformation.
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insights INSIGHT
What is Consciousness?
Consciousness is subjective experience, from the redness of red to the pang of jealousy.
Defining consciousness scientifically is challenging, unlike other scientific concepts.
insights INSIGHT
The Hard Problem of Consciousness
The hard problem of consciousness asks how physical matter creates subjective experience.
Anil Seth suggests focusing on the "real problem": exploring specific aspects of consciousness, like the self and free will.
insights INSIGHT
Why Consciousness Matters
Everything matters because of its impact on conscious experience; otherwise, nothing would have meaning.
Understanding consciousness connects us to nature and helps us understand our place in the universe.
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Julian Barnes's 'Nothing to be Frightened Of' is a philosophical exploration of mortality and the human condition. The book delves into the author's personal reflections on death, aging, and the meaning of life, weaving together personal anecdotes, historical references, and philosophical musings. Barnes tackles the complexities of human existence, examining themes of love, loss, and the acceptance of mortality. The novel's unique blend of personal narrative and intellectual inquiry makes it a compelling read for those contemplating life's big questions. The book's title itself is a reflection of the author's perspective on death, suggesting a sense of acceptance and peace in the face of the unknown.
Being You
A New Science of Consciousness
Anil Seth
In 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness,' Anil Seth presents a radical new theory of consciousness, arguing that we are 'prediction machines' constantly inventing and correcting our perception of the world. The book delves into the biological mechanisms of the brain, exploring how billions of neurons create our conscious experience. Seth discusses the 'controlled hallucination' viewpoint, active inference, and the 'beast machine' theory, which views consciousness as a process of regulating the body's essential variables through interoceptive signals. The book is a synthesis of philosophy, science, literature, and personal experience, making complex science accessible and engaging[1][3][5].
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How, on this planet, did we go from molten lava and shifting tectonic plates to sentient beings? How are you awake and aware right now? Who and where and what exactly is the “you” that is experiencing everything?
Guest Anil Seth says that exploring these questions can lead to real and radical changes in your life, including reducing your emotional reactivity.
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