Adventures in Awareness

Ruben Laukkonen, a cognitive scientist and neuroscientist specializing in meditation and consciousness, dives deep into the intriguing concept of cessation in meditation. He discusses its unique impact on consciousness, contrasting it with states like deep sleep. Ruben also explores the relationship between neuroplasticity, learning, and meditation, revealing how these practices can reshape our understanding of reality. With a blend of scientific inquiry and personal experience, he encourages listeners to embrace the evolving nature of awareness and the quest for deeper insights.

Christof Koch was the president and chief scientist of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle known for his interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from neuroscience, physics, and philosophy to tackle the complex problem of consciousness, published in over 350 scientific papers, significantly shaped modern understanding of the neural correlates of consciousness and visual perception.In collaboration with Francis Crick, Cristof initiated the modern search for the neuronal correlates of consciousness. In collaboration with Giulio Tononi, he co-developed the Integrated Information Theory of consciousness.To join future discussions live, watch ad-free recordings and extended Q&As, find us at: https://www.adventuresinawareness.com/events/Your contributions support future content, and are greatly appreciated:https://adventuresinawareness.com/membershipOne-off PayPal donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/adventuresin 0:00 Intros0:08 Bernardo’s appreciation of Christof’s work: how neuroscience is critical to understanding mind12:40 Christo’s appreciation of Bernardo’s work:the mechanisms of the boundaries of consciousness 17:00 the metaphysics of Integrated Information Theory (IIT)21:00 IIT might be most direct modelling of true states of nature24:50 IIT and Free Will26:40 how IIT models the noumenon and AI consciousness 30:00 the cerebellum doesn’t contribute to consciousness32:50 IIT and meta-consciousness34:50 dreams are not meta-conscious38:40 IIT and scale and speed of the system (galaxies and atoms)42:30 IIT and defining the boundary of a system45:00 IIT, dissociation and the origin of life50:20 consciousness in the sun and mind meld55:30 Internal family systems therapy & the daimon58:30 clarifying definition of free will1:08:00 why IIT assumes consciousness 1:11:30 what is information in IIT (it’s not shannon information - its meaning, aristotelan ‘in form’)1:15:30 what is integration? (it means its not reducible. You can’t break it into parts without losing something)1:20:30 mind at large integrated? (no, because of speed of light and expansion)1:23:00 why is integration in space but not time? how do parts of the system know which system they are part of1:37:10 how IIT accounts for mind at large - the dance of dissociation and reintegration: actively enforced dissociation and non-actively dissociation. Mind at large is fragmented, and markov blankets are considered1:43:30 Mind at large is not conscious in the way we are1:50:00 everything is conscious vs everything is consciousness1:51:50 IIT disagrees with computational functionalism; that consciousness is just a function and any mechanism that can do that function must be conscious. IIT starts with consciousness instead of with function. 1:56:00 Christof’s psychedelic experience and change in perspective2:01:40 the similarity between the universe and the brain2:08:25 is death re-association? the parallels between chemistry and emotion2:13:30 is mind at large expanding like the universe? (questioning the big bang)2:17:50 do psychedelics increase or decrease connectivity 2:22:30 neural correlates of consciousness or meta-consciousness (implications of blindsight)2:28:50 IIT and the block universe2:38:30 Life and meaning can be mapped by Markov blankets, cancer, enlightenment, reincarnation 2:48:00 becoming another - thought experimentFollow the Adventure:- https://adventuresinawareness.com/- Subscribe to us on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresinawareness- Twitter: https://x.com/AdvInAwareness- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adventures-in-awareness/id1535917754- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventuresinawarenessBanner art by https://www.instagram.com/jadewade/

James Cooke, a neuroscientist with three degrees from Oxford, dives into the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality. He shares insights on transforming personal identity from an ego-based view to embracing non-duality. The discussion highlights trauma's role in self-discovery and the importance of compassion in healing. Cooke bridges philosophy and neuroscience, advocating for a holistic understanding of human experience. He encourages practical non-dual inquiry while navigating the complexities of productivity and the quest for a life free from suffering.

In this engaging discussion, Jay Garfield, a Harvard philosopher specializing in Buddhist thought, and Bernardo Kastrup, a leader in modern metaphysical idealism, explore the intricate dance between emptiness and idealism. They delve into the complexities of consciousness, emphasizing the interconnectivity of reality. The duo examines how personal experiences shape philosophical perspectives, debates the nature of perception, and highlights the significance of respecting differing opinions in academia. This vibrant exchange unpacks the rich interplay between Eastern and Western philosophies.

Matthew Immergut, an Associate Professor of Sociology and co-author of 'The Mind Illuminated,' shares insights on the intricate landscape of meditation. He discusses his transformative journey, including struggles with addiction and the contrast between medication and mindfulness. Dive into the complexities of mentor-student relationships and the essential balance of accountability in spiritual teachings. Immergut also explores the nuanced interplay of love, morality, and consciousness in meditation, highlighting the importance of authentic engagement and community support.

Dr. Shamil Chandaria, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford, intertwines the worlds of neuroscience and spirituality through his extensive research on consciousness and meditation. He shares insights on how ancient practices, like breathing techniques, can modernize our understanding of emotional well-being. The discussion highlights meditation's role in reshaping our perception of reality and reducing suffering. Dr. Chandaria emphasizes the delicate balance between scientific advancement and spiritual wisdom, demonstrating how both can enhance personal transformation.

Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher and computer engineer with dual PhDs, dives deep into metaphysical idealism, asserting that reality is fundamentally mental. He critiques materialism and emphasizes consciousness as essential to understanding existence. The conversation explores how our experiences shape perception, the interplay between consciousness and matter, and the nature of fear. Kastrup also discusses the illusion of free will, suggesting that individual identities are interconnected with a universal consciousness. His insights prompt profound reflections on existence itself.

Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher with Ph.D.s in philosophy and computer engineering, delves into the world of metaphysical idealism. He challenges materialism, exploring how our consciousness shapes reality rather than mere physical properties. The discussion critiques the inadequacies of both materialism and panpsychism in defining consciousness. Kastrup emphasizes the value of qualitative experiences and argues that consciousness may be fundamental to reality, inviting listeners to rethink their foundational beliefs about existence.

Mark grew up in the UK as an atheist, but then spent a year as a monk in India after a powerful and unexpected spiritual awakening. He now teaches insight meditation inspired by the late Rob Burbea, with a focus on understanding the emptiness of all things and the ways in which changing our ways of looking can reduce suffering and enhance the beauty of life. He offers teachings freely, living frugally in a caravan in the UK, from donations from those who appreciate what he offers. He'll be teaching a freely-given 6-week course on Loving Kindness Meditation online in October: https://dandelion.events/e/e92bd In this episode, we discussed: Mark's background and awakening The phenomenology of the awakening Having no sense of self Going beyond non-dual awakening Meeting the guru: Rob Burbea Emptiness Why you should care + A guided lovingkindness meditation! To find out about joining future events check out: https://adventuresinawareness.com If you would like to support future content, contributions are greatly appreciated at: ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠In the UK⁠ One-off ⁠PayPal donations

This was an excerpt from a 5-week discussion series with Bernardo Kastrup, Nov 2022, with guest Federico Faggin. Federico Faggin is an Italian-American physicist, engineer, inventor and entrepreneur. He is best known for designing the first commercial microprocessor, the Intel 4004. In 2010, he received the 2009 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honor the United States confers for achievements related to technological progress. In 2011, Faggin founded the Federico and Elvia Faggin Foundation to support the scientific study of consciousness at US universities and research institutes. Bernardo considers him ‘probably the most well-rounded Idealist alive today.’ He has a new book just released available here. We discussed: Federico's journey to his model of reality How science must completely change to incorporate consciousness How quantum states make sense when viewed as descriptions of experience How consciousness and life are nothing like computers How meditation, spirituality and science relate Access all 10 hours of recorded material here. To join the next edition please visit our Events page. If you would like to support future content, contributions are greatly appreciated at: Patreon In the UK One-off PayPal donations