Walden Pod

We explore the nature of dreams. We discuss Daniel Dennett's cassette theory, which questions whether dreams are genuine experiences that occur during sleep, instead suggesting that dreams are spontaneous memory insertions at awakening. This theory contrasts with the common view that dreams involve phenomenal states in real time. However, lucid dreaming challenges the cassette theory. We also question the reality of "dreamless sleep" and examine prophetic, precognitive, and shared dreams.  Linktree

Delve into the fascinating theory of aetherism, which suggests that consciousness exists independently of the brain. Explore the idea that the brain acts as a receiver, not a producer, of consciousness. Engage with William James's philosophical insights, advocating for a view of consciousness that transcends materialism. The discussion raises intriguing questions about the afterlife and the significance of all conscious beings. This captivating exploration challenges traditional beliefs and opens the door to new understandings of consciousness.

Monistic Idealism's video Both Sides Brigade - Interacting with the Interaction Problem My dualism playlist Majesty of Reason on the interaction problem You Are A Soul w/ Ralph Stefan Weir Linktree

We dive into the philosophy of personal identity, exploring whether a consistent "self" persists through time despite physical and mental changes. Is there an essential core that endures transformations? We examine the Ship of Theseus, the deadly and murderous teletransporter which murders people, the “no self” view associated with Hume, mind uploading, Ralph Stefan Weir’s dilemma for transhumanists, and whether Socrates could have been an alligator. Linktree 

Philip Goff, a Professor of Philosophy at Durham University and author of 'Consciousness and Fundamental Reality,' dives into the intriguing realm of consciousness. He tackles type-b physicalism and the concept of philosophical zombies, challenging the tenets of materialism. Goff critiques current frameworks of consciousness, exploring the implications of personal experience versus theoretical knowledge. The discussion also ventures into the evolution of belief and the reimagining of religion, inviting a fresh perspective on faith and spirituality.

Ralph Stefan Weir, a philosophy professor and author of "The Mind-Body Problem and Metaphysics," shares his insights into consciousness and dualism. He delves into the disembodiment and parity arguments, challenging property dualism and exploring the implications of the soul's existence. The conversation also critiques physicalism and examines the historical narratives that shaped philosophical thought, all while connecting metaphysics to modern issues like transhumanism and personal identity.

I am once again begging apologists to stop treating atheism and materialism as interchangeable concepts. It's intellectual laziness at best and dishonesty at worst. This was originally a short video posted on my youtube channel. Linktree 

Today, we explore the privacy of consciousness, a feature of the mind rejected by qualia antirealists.  (summary of the arguments begins at 43:45)  A few of the papers and books referenced: Is Mental Privacy Defensible? Jaffer Ahmed Explaining Mental Privacy - Colin McGinn Other minds are neither seen nor inferred - Mason Westfall  Understanding Knowledge - Michael Huemer Illusionism As A Theory of Consciousness  Galileo's Error - Philip Goff Linktree

Today we discuss three skeptical arguments from Wang Chong, a first-century Chinese philosopher who railed against the belief in ghosts. Although the skeptics who initially presented these arguments to me seemed to think they were decisive, I was unimpressed and wanted to explain why I think they miss the center of the spectral target.  As summarized on Wang’s IEP entry:  (1) Argument from physical shape:  The death of a person is the result of the body losing the animating qi (vital essence), and once the qi is separated from the body, the body decays.  All will admit to this.  If this is so, however, and the person’s qi is still existent, how can this qi itself manifest in the form of a physical shape?  It is not a body, it is qi.  But when one sees a ghost, one sees a body.  But if the person has died, they no longer have a body, so where could they get another one?  They cannot take over another living body, which will already possess its own qi.  Thus, the view that people when they die become ghosts is nonsensical.  (2) Argument from population:  If people become ghosts when they die, there should be more ghost sightings than living people, as the number of people who have lived in the past and died is far greater than the number of people now living.  This is not true — ghost “sightings” are rare.  Thus it cannot be that people when they die become ghosts. (3) Argument from ghostly efficacy:  If a living person is harmed, this person will immediately go to a magistrate and bring a case against the party who harmed them.  If it were the case that people become ghosts when they die and can interact with living humans, every ghostly murder victim would be seen going to a magistrate, telling him the name of the killer and the means of murder, leading him to the body, and so forth.  This is never witnessed (ever).  Wang Chong - IEP  Philosophy on the Fringes - Ghosts and Hauntings  Dale Allison Interview - Encountering Mystery  Greenbrier Ghost - Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World  Twitter thread where I first encountered Wang Chong Music for this episode was performed by yours truly (except the drums). Linktree 

Explore the fascinating tale of Mary, the color scientist, and her intriguing encounters with her cousin Fred and a colorblind neuroscientist. Delve into the limits of physical knowledge and its inability to fully capture conscious experiences. Philip Goff challenges the ability hypothesis and presents 'phenomenal curiosity' as a threat to moderate forms of physicalism. This thought-provoking discussion critiques various responses to the knowledge argument while shedding light on the nature of consciousness.