The Hard Problem of Consciousness

In this session we will be looking at consciousness, including The Hard Problem of Consciousness, as highlighted by the philosopher David Chalmers. The hard problem is basically explaining why/how we have phenomenal experiences such as feeling pain or seeing the colour red.

We will consider different solutions to/perspectives on the hard problem, such as:

• The hard problem doesn't exist (Dan Dennett)
• Integrated Information Theory (Giulio Tononi)
• Panpsychism (an old idea, many philosophers)
• We are living in a simulation (Nick Bostrom)
• Metaphysical idealism (Bernardo Kastrup)
• The Real Problem of Consciousness (Anil Seth)

(Note, the above may change as I prepare the session).

This session will be led by James.

A relatively recent book on the subject I can recommend is Being You: A New Science of Consciousness by Anil Seth. A good overall review of philosophy related to consciousness is Philosophers on Consciousness: Talking about the Mind (Talking about Philosophy) by Jack Symes.

Bring wine/beer/drinks/food/snacks/whatever if you want to.

Press the buzzer marked Semi sotano 2 to be let in. It's down the stairs, first door on the right.

Image: Self-Portrait at Twenty-Eight, Albrecht Dürer, 1500.