
Mazviita Chirimuuta
Philosopher of neuroscience and author of The Brain Abstracted, known for critiques of scientific simplification and accounts of how models shape cognitive science.
Top 10 podcasts with Mazviita Chirimuuta
Ranked by the Snipd community

50 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 41min
Getting everything, losing everything | Anders Sandberg, Massimo Pigliucci, Mazviita Chirimuuta
A debate on the potential of the metaverse and its impact on human relationships and the natural world. Exploring the evolution of virtual reality, challenges, and uncertain future. Skepticism and collaboration in building the metaverse. Concerns about becoming lost in an ideal world with advanced technology and the struggle to find lasting happiness. Class dynamics and societal implications of a future with machines. Debating the nature of virtual reality and the merger of the virtual and physical worlds.

26 snips
May 14, 2025 • 58min
Philosophy, Mind, and the Limits of Science with Mazviita Chirimuuta
Mazviita Chirimuuta, Associate Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Pittsburgh, dives into the complexities of neuroscience and philosophy. She discusses the limitations of scientific understanding of consciousness and critiques the binary perception of science. Chirimuuta also navigates the interplay between science, mathematics, and the divine, urging humility in our methodologies. Plus, she explores the relationship between AI and human creativity, emphasizing that technology should complement rather than replace human expression.

19 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 44min
BI 186 Mazviita Chirimuuta: The Brain Abstracted
Philosopher Mazviita Chirimuuta discusses simplification in neuroscience, highlighting the use of models, math, and analogies to understand the complex brain. She explores the intersection of neuroscience and philosophy, delves into simplification strategies in science, and emphasizes the interplay of technology and scientific understanding. The discussion touches on the challenges of interpreting scientific results, the limitations of reductionism, and the importance of maintaining a critical mindset in scientific pursuits.

9 snips
May 25, 2021 • 41min
Do we really experience reality? | Graham Harman, Donald Hoffman & Mazviita Chirimuuta
Graham Harman, a philosopher of object-oriented ontology, joins cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, known for his work on perception, and philosopher Mazviita Chirimuuta, who specializes in the philosophy of mind. They dive into the captivating question of whether our perceptions truly reflect reality or are merely evolutionary adaptations. Topics include the perception paradox influenced by synesthesia, the indirect nature of accessing reality, and the limitations of human cognition. They also discuss the diverse perceptions of non-human entities, inviting a reevaluation of consciousness.

6 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 42min
The confidence to be human in an age of AI. A conversation about the complexity of things with Mazviita Chirimuuta
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.

5 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 24min
The AI hoax | Mazviita Chirimuuta
Is human-like AI a pipe dream?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesA future with human-like AI is no longer limited to the pages of sci-fi, it’s now the dream of Big Tech too. But is this just a pipe dream? Join philosopher of perception Mazviita Chirimuuta as she argues that human-like AI is and will remain a fantasy. There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=the-ai-hoax-mazviita-chirimuutaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 10, 2025 • 51min
M. Chirimuuta, "The Brain Abstracted: Simplification in the History and Philosophy of Neuroscience" (MIT Press, 2024)
Mazviita Chirimuuta, a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, discusses her book on the oversimplification in neuroscience. She critiques how models misrepresent brain functions, emphasizing the efficiency of biological cognition compared to AI systems. Chirimuuta introduces 'haptic realism', highlighting the interplay between scientific methods and our understanding of the brain. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about AI, the energy demands of data centers, and the philosophical dilemmas in equating brain processes with computer operations.

May 2, 2024 • 1h 28min
#935 Mazviita Chirimuuta: The Brain Abstracted
Dr. Mazviita Chirimuuta discusses The Brain Abstracted, focusing on simplifying strategies in neuroscience and the challenges scientists face. The podcast explores historical, philosophical roots of science, seeking simplicity in scientific endeavors. It also touches on the evolution of brain theories, machine learning's influence on neuroscience, and the debate on consciousness.

Jan 23, 2026 • 54min
Abstraction & Idealization: AI's Plato Problem [Mazviita Chirimuuta]
Professor Mazviita Chirimuuta, a philosopher of neuroscience and author of *The Brain Abstracted*, explores the intricate dance between neuroscience and philosophy. She highlights the pitfalls of oversimplification in scientific models and questions whether the brain truly functions as a computer. Delving into concepts like haptic realism, she argues for knowledge gained through interaction. Mazviita also discusses the ethical implications of digital attention and the complexity of biological systems that challenge the limits of current AI understanding.

Jan 23, 2026 • 42min
Why Every Brain Metaphor in History Has Been Wrong [SPECIAL EDITION]
Join Mazviita Chirimuuta, a philosopher of neuroscience, and cognitive theorist Joscha Bach, as they unravel the complexities of brain metaphors throughout history. They challenge the simplifications used in science, questioning when models become dangerously misleading. Luciano Floridi discusses the ontological implications of information in a digital age, while Noam Chomsky offers critical insights on prediction versus understanding in scientific theories. Together, they explore the interplay between abstract patterns and reality, emphasizing the need for humility in our claims about the mind.


