Episode #38 (EN): Panpsychism with Philip Goff: Is Consciousness a Fundamental Feature of the Universe?

ASEF Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the intriguing concept of panpsychism with Philip Goff, the philosophical idea that consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous aspect of reality. We explore its historical roots, examine contemporary debates, and consider its implications for our understanding of the mind and the universe.

The host of the science vertical on the ASEF Podcast: Tanja Janko

Timestamps:

01:36 - Why did you decide to pursue consciousness research?

03:45 - Defining Consciousness and Panpsychism

06:20 - The Dilemma of Consciousness in Science

10:20 - Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness

• paper I mentioned: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07936
• For more context: Roger Penrose's Idea: Penrose proposed the idea that the human brain uses quantum effects in microtubules as the origin of consciousness. His hypothesis suggests that consciousness requires an uncomputable element, which he believes is the collapse of the wave function in quantum mechanics. He reasoned that since other brain processes are considered computable, the collapse of the wave function is the only place such a non-computable element could reside.
• Study Findings: The paper mentioned from a group unrelated to Penrose or Hameroff provides, what they consider, clear evidence that microtubules do display real quantum effects.

24:50 Thought Experiments: Mary the Color Scientist and the Philosophical Zombie

36:25 The Galileo Error

41:45 Exploring Consciousness: The Mind-Body Problem

47:40 Cosmic Purpose: Consciousness Points to Purpose?
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Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Defining Consciousness and Panpsychism (00:03:45)

3. The Dilemma of Consciousness in Science (00:06:20)

4. Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness (00:10:20)

5. Thought Experiments: Mary the Color Scientist and the Philosophical Zombie (00:24:50)

6. The Galileo Error (00:36:25)

7. Exploring Consciousness: The Mind-Body Problem (00:41:45)

8. Cosmic Purpose: Consciousness Points to Purpose? (00:47:40)