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Peter Godfrey-Smith

Professor at the University of Sydney, researching philosophy of biology and mind. Author of "Other Minds" and "Living on Earth."

Top 5 podcasts with Peter Godfrey-Smith

Ranked by the Snipd community
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47 snips
Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 25min

#203 – Peter Godfrey-Smith on interfering with wild nature, accepting death, and the origin of complex civilisation

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosopher renowned for his insights on biology and consciousness, joins the discussion. They explore why intelligent species like octopuses and dolphins haven't formed complex civilizations despite their capabilities. The conversation weaves through ethical dilemmas of wild animal welfare and the intricacies of human intervention in nature. Godfrey-Smith also delves into the role of culture in human advancement versus mere intelligence, and the intricate bond between consciousness, adaptation, and life on Earth.
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43 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 28min

249 | Peter Godfrey-Smith on Sentience and Octopus Minds

Peter Godfrey-Smith, expert in cognition and sentience, discusses the nature of thinking in animals with different brains. Topics include the evolution of consciousness, the intelligence of octopuses, and the complexity of nervous systems. They also explore autonomy in octopus limbs and perspectives on brain activity and oscillatory dynamics.
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Oct 18, 2024 • 34min

Highlights: #203 – Peter Godfrey-Smith on interfering with wild nature, accepting death, and the origin of complex civilisation

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosophy professor at the University of Sydney and author on animal consciousness, dives deep into the intersection of life, death, and nature's complexities. He explores the philosophical implications of death as part of an ecological narrative and questions the ethics of intervening in wild nature. Godfrey-Smith reflects on personal struggles linked to existence and discusses the unique adaptations of various animal groups, unraveling what it means to be truly conscious amid life's harsh realities.
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Aug 27, 2024 • 55min

Philosopher Peter Godfrey-Smith - How Animal Minds Transformed Planet Earth

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosopher of science, explores how the evolution of animal minds affects our planet. He delves into the intelligence of cephalopods, like octopuses, and their profound connection with humans. The discussion contrasts the solitary nature of octopuses with the social intelligence of dolphins, illuminating why humans developed culture and language. Ethical dilemmas surrounding animal research and the pressing need for habitat preservation and rewilding are also tackled, highlighting the intricate balance between nature and intellect.
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Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 31min

240 - Peter Godfrey-Smith: Cuttlefish, Octopuses, and the Consciousness of Mysterious Minds

Peter Godfrey-Smith, a professor at the University of Sydney and author of "Other Minds," dives into the fascinating world of cephalopods and consciousness. He shares captivating anecdotes from scuba diving with cuttlefish and octopuses, highlighting their remarkable cognitive abilities. The discussion also explores the evolution of conscious minds, questioning why certain species feel pain and what it truly means to experience consciousness. Ethical debates around animal welfare and our dietary choices round out this thought-provoking conversation about the intelligence of these mysterious creatures.