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 of mind • Neuroscience discussions • Science of consciousness • Free will exploration • Illusionism vs. panpsychism • Dualism • Materialism • Reality theories • Thought-provoking interviewsThis podcast, titled "Mind Chat," features discussions and debates led by philosophers Philip Goff and Keith Frankish. The show presents a platform for engaging with leading scientists and philosophers on topics surrounding consciousness, mind, and reality from varying and often contrasting viewpoints. Goff advocates for the view that consciousness is pervasive in the universe, while Frankish holds a more skeptical position, questioning the very existence of phenomenal consciousness.
The episodes cover a diverse range of philosophical and scientific topics. Themes include the exploration of the nature of consciousness, theories such as panpsychism and illusionism, and debates over materialism versus dualism. Many episodes delve into understanding whether consciousness can be considered an emergent property and what implications this has for our understanding of the universe.
Further exploration is given to specific theories like the Integrated Information Theory and Predictive Processing models of the mind. Discussions extend into interdisciplinary fields, examining how consciousness connects to reality, the role of free will, and what psychedelics might reveal about the mind. The influence of key figures such as Noam Chomsky and David Chalmers frequently reappears, alongside conversations on the compatibility of science and philosophy with religious or idealist perspectives.
The podcast aims to be approachable for those without a background in science or philosophy, offering an accessible entry point into the nuanced and multifaceted discussions at the forefront of consciousness studies. Featuring both amiable debate and expert insight, "Mind Chat" invites listeners to ponder some of the deepest questions about the mind and its place in the natural world.