#85 Perplexities of consciousness - Eric Schwitzgebel

Professor of Philosophy (Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley, 1997) Areas of interest: philosophy of psychology, philosophy of mind, moral psychology, classical Chinese philosophy, epistemology, metaphilosophy, metaphysics, science fiction
Summary
Eric Schwitzgebel explores the challenges of attention in the digital age, the cultural influences on morality, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. The dialogue also delves into simulation theory and the complexity of existence, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and wonder in our understanding of life. Eric Schwitzgebel and Ryan discuss a range of topics including the Tao of Pooh, skepticism towards paranormal phenomena, the Copernican argument for alien consciousness, the role of death in human creativity, the nature of suffering, ethics in philosophy, and the disconnect between moral beliefs and actions. Eric emphasizes the importance of diverse forms of being and the complexity of human experience, while also recommending influential books and writers that inspire philosophical thought.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Consciousness and Philosophy
02:56 The Intersection of AI and Consciousness
05:56 The Role of Attention and Awareness
08:58 Ethics, Morality, and AI
11:59 Cultural Perspectives on Morality
14:57 Transhumanism and Its Implications
18:02 The Nature of Reality and Simulation Theory
21:08 The Complexity of Existence
24:03 Philosophy of Opening vs. Closing
26:58 Embracing Uncertainty and Wonder
38:31 Exploring the Tao of Pooh and Telepathy
39:23 Skepticism Towards Paranormal Phenomena
41:39 The Copernican Argument for Alien Consciousness
44:39 The Role of Death in Human Creativity
46:59 The Nature of Suffering and Meaning
50:25 Ethics and Moral Behavior in Philosophy
54:01 The Disconnect Between Moral Beliefs and Actions
58:39 Aiming for Moral Mediocrity
01:01:34 Influential Philosophers and Writers
01:05:11 Recommended Reads for the Next Generation
01:08:59 The Nature of Meaning in Life

Music for every episode
Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

Eric
http://schwitzsplinters.blogspot.com/
https://faculty.ucr.edu/~eschwitz/

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