Noodling with Rami – A Meeting of Minds

What does it actually mean to be conscious, and how could we ever know whether another being experiences the world as we do? Must a thought be conscious in order to count as a thought, or could much of our mental life unfold without our awareness? If unconscious processes influence our beliefs, desires and decisions, how much authority should we give to the explanations we provide for our own behaviour? When we look inward, are we observing our minds accurately, or interpreting a story already assembled for us? Could a complete scientific description of the brain ever explain what pain feels like, why red looks the way it does, or what it is like to hear a favourite song? Is consciousness something produced by sufficiently complex information processing, or is subjective experience a fundamentally different kind of phenomenon? If every function of the mind could theoretically operate without inner experience, what — if anything — would be missing? And beneath all these experiences, memories, perceptions and thoughts, is there really a continuous conscious “self” having them — or is the self itself something consciousness creates?

No prior philosophical qualification required – just curiosity, a willingness to listen, and an openness to multiple ways of knowing.

### A little disclaimer

Alright folks! I’m not claiming to be an expert on the topics we’ll be discussing. My aim is to create a judgement-free zone where attendees can share thoughts and experiences openly.

Let’s approach our conversations with open minds and a sense of curiosity, knowing that we each bring unique backgrounds and perspectives. Please feel encouraged to express yourself in ways that reflect who you are, and let’s all keep in mind that our words carry meaning for those around us. The intention of the meetup is to learn from one another, so if anyone feels uncomfortable or misunderstood at any point, please don’t hesitate to speak up. This way, we can address things together and make sure everyone feels valued and included.

The goal is to explore ideas collaboratively, without promoting any particular viewpoint. We may not find simple answers to the questions we face, but by approaching them with empathy, respect and inclusivity, we can gain new insights and perhaps leave with rather more questions than we arrived with.

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