Anil Seth

Anil Seth, British neuroscientist and professor studying consciousness and perception as controlled hallucination, joins to argue why intelligence is not the same as feeling. He questions whether silicon can reproduce biological neurons, probes why we project minds onto language models, and explores consciousness as a bodily, metabolic phenomenon rather than mere computation.

Consciousness, our experience of being in the world, is one of the mind’s greatest mysteries, but as the neuroscientist Anil Seth explains to Steven Strogatz, research is making progress in understanding this elusive phenomenon. The post What Is the Nature of Consciousness? first appeared on Quanta Magazine

Anil Seth, a cognitive and computational neuroscientist at the University of Sussex, tackles the mysteries of consciousness. He delves into questions about self-identity, exploring how we perceive reality and whether our memories can be trusted. Seth discusses how the brain creates our experiences, including the illusion of color. He challenges conventional notions of identity, suggesting that we are dynamic beings shaped by interactions. The conversation also touches on the evolution of consciousness and fascinating insights into neurodiversity.

Dr. Anil Seth discusses AI consciousness, ethics, and incentives. They explore the difference between intelligence and consciousness, ethical concerns, and the impact on human language. The conversation delves into metaphors for the mind, ethical implications of AI consciousness, and lessons from 'Frankenstein'. They emphasize caution in AI development and the distinction between intelligence and consciousness.

Anil Seth, a leading neuroscientist and author, dives into the fascinating world of human perception. He explores how our brain constructs reality, revealing that color isn't an inherent property but a product of sensory processes. The discussion touches on mental health's influence on perception and the beauty of neurodiversity. Seth highlights unique experiences like synesthesia and the connection between art and science, advocating for a greater understanding of how diverse perceptions enrich our lives. Plus, he shares insights from the immersive Dream Machine experience.

Anil Seth, a neuroscientist and director at the Sussex Centre for Consciousness Science, delves into what makes us conscious. He presents the idea that perception is a 'controlled hallucination' shaped by our brain's predictions. The discussion tackles intriguing topics like the phenomenon of blindsight and the implications of split-brain studies. Seth suggests that consciousness in animals—and even machines—may reflect our own. His excitement for future research reveals the mysteries still surrounding the nature of consciousness.

Join Anil Seth, a renowned neuroscientist and author of 'Being You,' as he unravels the mysteries of consciousness. He discusses how our brains create reality, framing life as a 'controlled hallucination.' From near-death experiences to cultural beliefs about death, Seth challenges our perceptions of self and existence. The podcast also touches on the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation, illustrating how they can reshape our understanding of emotions and perceptions, and inviting listeners to rethink their everyday experiences.

Today we welcome Dr. Anil Seth. He is the Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Sussex, where he is also Co-Director of the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science. His research has been supported by the European Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. Dr. Seth’s 2017 main-stage TED talk is one of the most popular science TED talks, with more than 13 million views. His latest book, which has received numerous accolades, is called Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.In this episode, I talk to Dr. Anil Seth about the new science of consciousness. Although we don’t exactly know how or why consciousness exists, Dr. Seth thinks this shouldn’t stop us from exploring its properties. One of the things he explores in his research is the conditions for consciousness. Everyone has their own way of perceiving the world. Perceptual diversity exists and we would be misguided to try and standardize consciousness on a single dimension. We also touch on the topics of intelligence, panpsychism, free will, AI technology, and the after life. Website: www.anilseth.comTwitter: @anilkseth Topics02:08 The hard problem of consciousness07:02 The value of inner experiences12:22 Experiencing is consciousness15:51 Panpsychism 19:01 The condition for consciousness21:38 Neuroscience of consciousness27:32 Perceptual diversity37:09 Perception Census43:00 Can we measure consciousness?49:13 Individual differences in experiencing 56:40 Experience of free will is not an illusion1:09:24 Cybernetic free will1:12:55 Can artificial intelligence produce consciousness? 1:24:24 The desire to persistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join neuroscientist Anil Seth, a professor at the University of Sussex and author of 'Being You', as he delves into the intriguing mysteries of consciousness. The conversation takes a twist on panpsychism, pondering if consciousness exists in all entities. Seth and the hosts dissect the distinctions between human intelligence and AI, questioning if machines could ever achieve true awareness. They also explore the implications of advancing technology on our perception of self, memory, and even the potential for consciousness beyond Earth.

Joining the discussion are Anil Seth, a neuroscientist passionate about consciousness, anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann, and biologist Rupert Sheldrake, known for his unorthodox ideas. They explore whether consciousness stems solely from the brain or transcends it. The conversation delves into personal experiences versus cultural influences on perception and delves into fascinating topics like tulpamancy, the concept of the extended mind, and the historical evolution of consciousness. Together, they challenge conventional views and inspire new ways of understanding our minds.