Episode #181 ... What if consciousness is an illusion?

Key takeaways

The podcast celebrates its tenth anniversary and emphasizes the importance of listener support.
The distinction between access consciousness (explainable by neuroscience) and phenomenal consciousness (the subjective experience) is crucial in discussions about the mind.
Metaphors used in discussions about consciousness can shape our understanding and lead to misconceptions.
Illusionism posits that phenomenal consciousness might be an illusion created by complex brain processes, rather than a separate entity that needs explanation.
There are ongoing philosophical debates about the nature of consciousness, with varied perspectives that challenge the notion of consciousness as an illusion.

Summary

Introduction and Updates

Stephen West opens the episode by celebrating the tenth anniversary of 'Philosophize This!' and expresses gratitude to supporters on Patreon for making the podcast possible. He shares his commitment to enhancing the frequency of episodes and mentions the topic of the current episode: illusionism regarding consciousness.

Access vs. Phenomenal Consciousness

The discussion delves into the distinction between access consciousness and phenomenal consciousness. Access consciousness refers to neurological explanations of cognitive processes like memory and visual awareness, while phenomenal consciousness encompasses the subjective experience of being. Stephen discusses the difficulty in explaining phenomenal consciousness and questions whether it requires further explanation at all.

Metaphors Shaping Perception

Stephen introduces the concept of metaphors, particularly the Cartesian theater, which shapes people's understanding of consciousness. He highlights Susan Blackmore's argument that the language and metaphors used in discussions of consciousness can mislead our intuitions and create misconceptions.

The Illusion of Consciousness

The idea of illusionism is explored, suggesting that phenomenal consciousness could be a construct resulting from multiple brain processes rather than a distinct entity. Stephen discusses various philosophical perspectives, including those of Daniel Dennett and Keith Frankish, regarding the nature of consciousness and its resemblance to illusions, comparing it to computer user interfaces.

Critiques and Alternative Perspectives

Stephen highlights criticisms around the notion of illusionism, particularly from philosopher Massimo Pigliucci, who questions the definition of illusion and the relationship between our subjective experiences and the underlying neural mechanisms.

Conclusion and Look Ahead

The episode concludes with Stephen reflecting on the implications of illusionism in understanding consciousness, inviting listeners to consider how believing or not believing in consciousness as an illusion may affect their everyday lives. He hints at the next episode, which will explore the concept of free will.

Show notes

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