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Peter Godfrey-Smith

Peter Godfrey-Smith is a philosopher of science known for his work on the evolution of consciousness and his studies of octopus intelligence. He is a professor at the University of Sydney.

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 philosophy professor and bestselling author, discusses the intricate relationship between consciousness, wild nature, and the moral dilemmas of human intervention. He dives into why octopuses and dolphins haven't created complex civilizations despite their intelligence. The conversation also explores animal ethics, the struggle for existence in the wild, and the value of cultural knowledge in human advancement. Godfrey-Smith highlights how historical events shape evolution, questioning our understanding of life's complexities.
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43 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 28min

249 | Peter Godfrey-Smith on Sentience and Octopus Minds

In this discussion, Peter Godfrey-Smith, a philosopher of science and octopus intelligence expert, dives into the fascinating world of cephalopods. He explores how studying octopus cognition helps us rethink concepts of sentience and consciousness across species. The conversation reveals the unique problem-solving skills of octopuses, their remarkable nervous systems, and the evolutionary significance of their advanced behaviors. Godfrey-Smith challenges traditional views of intelligence and emphasizes the diversity of conscious experience in the animal kingdom.
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4 snips
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.
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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.