What is consciousness?

Many of you have asked for this topic, so here it is: We will explore the question what consciousness is in three to four sessions (March 29, April 19 (exception: starts at 12:15!), May 31, June 21) .

We will start from David Chalmers’ famous article/talk on what he calls “The hard problem of consciousness”. It's the first text on his website: https://consc.net/consciousness/

Here's my take on this paper:
Contrary to what Chalmers says, I think there are a few questions in the history of philosophy that have been answered with more precision than the question of consciousness. In other words: There are very satisfying and – in my view - convincing theories of consciousness already since the time of Plotinus (205-270 AD).

The “problem” that Chalmers sees only arises when you approach the topic from the perspective of a positivistic/materialist worldview that considers empirical methods the only possible access to reality. Another reason for confusion lies in the fact that many people today confuse the question of what consciousness IS with the question of how it EMERGED or came to be. However, if you assume that consciousness is something that emerged at one point in time, that already includes a thesis about what consciousness is, namely: subjected to time. This thesis, when it is unconsciously presupposed, prevents one from seeing – that’s my thesis – what consciousness really is, namely: not subjected to time.

• We will start the course from the criticism of Chalmers’ paper.
• Then we will look at two theories of consciousness: the Neoplatonic model and the modern phenomenological model, which are, if not identical, then at least very similar to each other or kindred in spirit.
• If we have the time, we will look at alternative models of consciousness in the final session. If there are specific theories that you're interested in, please let me know in advance!

Looking forward to our discussions
Anna

Cost: 15-30€ (according to your own financial possibilities), pay cash at the event.

About the Host:
Anna is a philosopher specialised in Neoplatonism and the existentialism of Kierkegaard. She has a special desire and experience in making philosophical thoughts and methods accessible to interested people outside the closed academic system.

You don't need any prior philosophical knowledge to attend this event and a prior reading of the text is also not necessary.

Anna will conduct the workshop in an interactive way, making sure to make it engaging for everyone while also providing some inspiring input.
After the workshop we will be able to discuss further and socialise at our brunch.

This is a paid event.