Modern Wisdom #146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
Feb 27, 2020
Dr. Heather Berlin, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine, delves into the complexities of consciousness and its impact on mental health. She explores the fascinating interplay between brain function and subjective experience, including how psychedelics can offer new therapeutic avenues for PTSD. Berlin also discusses the nuances of free will and how brain anomalies can reshape personality. Emphasizing the evolution of human consciousness, she highlights the importance of navigating emotions and thoughts mindfully.
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Consciousness and the Unconscious
- Dr. Berlin's driving force is understanding how the brain creates awareness.
- Unconscious processes heavily influence our behavior and decisions.
Defining Consciousness
- Consciousness is pure subjective experience, not requiring language or self-awareness.
- It's presumed animals have it due to similar brain structures, but 100% certainty is impossible.
Animal Consciousness
- Animal consciousness is debated, but fish demonstrate pain responses modified by anesthesia.
- The Integrated Information Theory suggests any system with integrated information has consciousness.