Description (podcaster-provided):
Philip Goff is a philosopher who thinks consciousness pervades the universe. Keith Frankish is a philosopher who thinks consciousness* doesn't even exist. From their very different perspectives, Keith and Philip interview leading scientists and philosophers of consciousness, engaging and debating in a friendly way in pursuit of truth. Mind Chat aims to be highly accessible, allowing those with no background in science and/or philosophy to get a grip on the cutting edge of the field.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Consciousness debates • Philosophy and science intersection • Illusionism vs. panpsychism • Free will exploration • Science of consciousness challenges • Experience, reality, and perception inquiries • Dualism and materialism discussionsMind Chat is a podcast where philosophers Philip Goff and Keith Frankish engage with leading thinkers in consciousness studies. The show explores various perspectives on consciousness, often contrasting Philip's view that consciousness pervades the universe with Keith's belief that phenomenal consciousness does not exist. Despite their differing opinions, both hosts maintain a friendly and open dialogue with their guests.
The episodes cover a broad spectrum of topics relating to consciousness, intertwining discussions of philosophical theories with scientific insights. Common themes include the nature and existence of consciousness, free will, the relationship between consciousness and reality, and the implications of scientific theories on our understanding of the mind. Guests from diverse academic backgrounds, such as cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy, contribute to the conversations, discussing both well-established theories and new, avant-garde concepts.
Panpsychism, the idea that consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous aspect of reality, is frequently explored, as well as its converse, illusionism, which posits that consciousness is an illusion created by brain processes. The podcast often delves into the controversies and debates surrounding these views. Other recurrent subjects include the potential of psychedelics to offer insights into the mind, the challenges posed by the 'hard problem of consciousness,' and the debate over whether consciousness can be fully explained by materialist views.
Mind Chat aims to make these complex discussions accessible to a general audience, encouraging listeners without a background in science or philosophy to engage with cutting-edge ideas at the intersection of these fields.