Mind-Body Philosophy Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. Mind, Body, and Questions of Consciousness

  • TV-PG
  • January 6, 2017
  • 32 min

In the premiere episode of Mind-Body Philosophy season 1, titled "Mind, Body, and Questions of Consciousness," viewers are introduced to the fascinating and complex topics at the heart of the show's exploration of philosophy, neuroscience, and the mind-body problem.

Hosted by philosopher Patrick Grim, the episode begins by posing some of the most fundamental questions that have perplexed thinkers for centuries: what is consciousness? How do our brains give rise to our subjective experiences? And what does it mean to be self-aware?

To help shed light on these questions, Grim brings in a knowledgeable and diverse group of experts from various disciplines. They include David Chalmers, one of the leading philosophers of mind and consciousness; Karl Deisseroth, a neuroscientist who specializes in studying brain circuits; and Miri Albahari, a philosopher and author who focuses on Buddhist philosophy and the nature of the self.

Throughout the episode, these experts engage in deep and thought-provoking discussions about various aspects of consciousness, such as the hard problem of consciousness (i.e. why and how subjective experiences arise from physical processes in the brain), the different levels of consciousness (from basic, non-conscious processing to full-blown self-awareness), and the relationship between brain activity and mental states.

One of the highlights of the episode is a presentation by Deisseroth, who describes some of the groundbreaking research he and his team have been doing with optogenetics - a technique that allows scientists to manipulate specific neural circuits in living organisms using light. By using this technology to selectively activate or inhibit certain neurons in the brains of mice, Deisseroth and his colleagues are gaining new insights into the neural underpinnings of different states of consciousness.

Meanwhile, Chalmers presents his famous "zombie argument," which challenges the idea that consciousness can be fully explained by physical processes. He argues that even if we knew everything there is to know about the brain and its functioning, we still wouldn't be able to fully account for the subjective, first-person experiences we all have.

Albahari, on the other hand, introduces some alternative perspectives on consciousness and the self, drawing on insights from Buddhist philosophy. She suggests that our sense of self is not a fixed or unchanging entity, but rather a collection of momentary mental events and processes that arise and pass away in a continuous flux.

Throughout the episode, Grim also poses a number of questions and thought experiments to help viewers engage with these complex concepts. He asks whether a computer program that perfectly mimics human speech could ever be truly conscious, or whether it's even possible to imagine what it would be like to be a bat (as philosopher Thomas Nagel famously proposed).

Overall, "Mind, Body, and Questions of Consciousness" is a gripping and intellectually stimulating introduction to the themes and ideas that Mind-Body Philosophy will be exploring throughout its first season. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or a curious layperson, it's sure to leave you with plenty of food for thought.

Description
Watch Mind-Body Philosophy - Mind, Body, and Questions of Consciousness (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Mind-Body Philosophy, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on The Great Courses Signature Collection. You can also buy, rent Mind-Body Philosophy on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hoopla online.
  • First Aired
    January 6, 2017
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    32 min
  • Language
    English