Dreaming of a universal mind

How panpsychism solves the hard problem of consciousness

It is broadly agreed that consciousness poses a profound challenge to contemporary science. Will neuroscience one day crack it? The problem is that consciousness is unobservable – you can’t look inside someone’s head and see their feelings and experiences – and this severely constrains our capacity to investigate it experimentally.

Because we can’t observe consciousness, our only way of gathering data about it is by relying on people’s testimony regarding their private, inner feelings. If we scan their brains at the same time, we can map correlations between various kinds of brain activity and various experiences. This is important data but it’s not itself a theory of consciousness. What we ultimately want from a theory of consciousness is an explanation of those correlations. Why is it that certain kinds of brain activity are correlated with certain kinds of experience?

Materialists hope to account for these correlations by explaining experiences in terms of brain activity. The trouble is you can’t capture the qualitative character of an experience – what it’s like to see red, or to smell coffee – in the purely quantitative language of neuroscience. And hence, so as long as our theory of the brain is framed in the purely quantitative language of neuroscience, we’ll always leave out these qualities, and in doing so leave out consciousness itself.

Rather than trying to explain experiences in terms of brain states, panpsychists explain brain states in terms of experiences.

Panpsychists run the explanation in the other direction. Rather than trying to explain experiences in terms of brain states, they explain brain states in terms of experiences. According to panpsychism, all that really exists are forms of consciousness: simple forms of consciousness at the micro-level, more complex forms of consciousness in human and animal brains. The view is not that these forms of consciousness exist alongside physical properties, but rather that physical properties just are forms of consciousness. The micro-level properties studied by physics are very simple forms of consciousness; the complex brain states studied by neuroscience are complex forms of consciousness.

How can we make sense of this idea? The properties studied by physics – mass, spin, charge, etc. – don’t seem to be forms of consciousness, and people studying physics are not aware that they’re learning about forms of consciousness. The central insight that has inspired the recent resurgence of interest in panpsychism is that physical science isn’t really in the business of telling us what physical properties are, only what they do. For example, physics tells us what electrical charge does – opposite charges attract, like charges repel – but not what it is. Neuroscience characterises brain states in terms of their chemical components, which chemistry characterises in terms of their physical components, which physics ultimately characterises in terms of behaviour. Taken as a whole, physical science gives us no clue as to what physical properties really are, which allows for the possibility that they might turn out to be forms of consciousness.

What is the intrinsic nature of stuff outside of brains? Science doesn’t tell us, and we have no other way of accessing it.

Why do we need to postulate consciousness everywhere to explain consciousness in brains? We don’t. The key explanatory move of the panpsychist is the proposal that brain states turn out to be forms of consciousness. But that move involves accepting that there’s more to matter than what it does, that matter has an ‘intrinsic nature’ that goes beyond the behavioural features identified by physical science. Once we’ve made that commitment, a question naturally arises: What is the intrinsic nature of stuff outside of brains? Science doesn’t tell us, and we have no other way of accessing it. But the most simple, elegant, speculation is that the stuff outside of brains is continuous with the stuff inside of brains in also having a consciousness-involving intrinsic nature. You’d need a reason to suppose that matter has two kinds of intrinsic nature rather than one.

It is crucial, therefore, to appreciate that two distinct inferences are involved in the defence of panpsychism (or at least in my defence of panpsychism):

  • An inference to the best explanation – The best explanation of the correlations between brain states and conscious states is the hypothesis that the latter are the intrinsic nature of the former.
  • A simplicity-based inference – Once we accept the hypothesis that brain states have a consciousness-involving intrinsic nature, panpsychism is the simplest speculation about the intrinsic nature of micro-level properties.

 

The simplest explanation is the hypothesis that brain states just are forms of consciousness.

It is the first inference that is the crucial one for explaining human consciousness, and in fact this first inference is compatible with the denial of panpsychism. The trouble is that if we adopt the first inference but deny panpsychism, we end up with the view that matter outside of brains has some completely unknown intrinsic nature. Why opt for mystery when you don’t need to?

The problem of consciousness has been solved. Neuroscience reveals puzzling correlations between brain states and experiences. The simplest explanation is the hypothesis that brain states just are forms of consciousness. From there, your choice is panpsychism or mystery. I’d bet on panpsychism, but we may never know for sure where the truth lies.

 

If you want to hear from leading thinkers like this debating renowned philosophers, cutting edge scientists, headline-making politicians, and beloved artists, come to HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2020 for four days of debates and talks alongside music, comedy and parties.

 

Latest Releases
Join the conversation

jap monday 12 September 2022

   I became up until now started out getting some site, online people today manufacture listed here has provided absolutely everyone hugely. Have fun here ideal for your complete present-day period & give good results. Concrete Contractors Maitland

loc annto 12 June 2022

locanntocom

Kreeti Rai 21 March 2022

I really impressed to see your awesome blog post. Keep update more good information with us.
kreetiraicom
goaescortshubcom
jennygoaescortcom

dipi kapor 9 March 2022

dipikaporcom
bit.ly/3j769Kd
bit.ly/3FSduXD
bit.ly/2YWvrDG
bit.ly/2YSM83i
bit.ly/3lLNu8i
bit.ly/3ATpqFa
bit.ly/3lKCmZq

mahi megh 3 February 2022

mahimeghcom
kmaliapartygirlin
kolkatavipgirlsin
krantishemacom
cyriltechnologiescom
globaladpostcom
bengalinewspaperinfo
internetnewssocialin

jenny gupta 30 December 2021

Nice blog natashaescortservicescom jennyguptacom prernasharmacom

jalenaa sharma 4 December 2021

good service

Kreeti Rai 23 November 2021

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post with us. Keep share more good post with us.

jiuer7845 jiuer7845 7 September 2021

<a href="https://www.travisscott-jordan1.com/"><b>Travis Scott Jordan 1</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.airsjordans.com/"><b>Air Jordans</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jordan-11s.com/"><b>Jordan 11s</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jordans-11.com/"><b>Jordan 11</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.jordansshoes.org/"><b>Jordans Shoes</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.retro-jordan.com/"><b> Retro Jordans</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.monclerjackets.us.com/"><b>Moncler Jackets</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.nikeair-jordan.com/"><b>Nike Air Jordan</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.moncler-outlets.com/"><b>Moncler Outlet</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.off-white.us.org/"><b>Off-White</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.offwhiteshoess.com/"><b>Off White Shoes</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.nflsjerseys.us.com/"><b>NFL Jerseys</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordanshoes.org/"><b>Jordan Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordans-shoes.com/"><b>Jordans Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy350-v2.com/"><b>Yeezy 350 V2</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.adidasyeezys.com/"><b>Adidas Yeezy</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.yeezyoutlet.us.com/"><b>Yeezy</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.yeezy-700.us.com/"><b>Yeezy 700</b></a><br />     <br /><a href="https://www.yeezyv2.us.com/"><b>Yeezy</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.nike-outlets.com/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy-shoes.us.com/"><b>Yeezy Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.uncjordan1.us/"><b>UNC Jordan 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordan-13.us/"><b>Jordan 13</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordanaj1.com/"><b>Jordan AJ 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezyfoam-runner.com/"><b>Yeezy Foam Runner</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikestoreoutlet.us.com/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeoutletfactory.us/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.aj1.us.com/"><b>AJ1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy-supply.com/"><b>Yeezy Supply</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy-zebra.com/"><b>Yeezy Zebra</b></a> <br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordan1low.com/"><b>Jordan 1 Low</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.air-jordans.us.org/"><b>Air Jordans</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.pandoracharms.uk.com/"><b>Pandora Charms</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.adidasuk.uk.com/"><b>Adidas UK</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikestoreoutlet.us.com/"><b>Nike Store</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.adidasyeezyofficialwebsite.com/"><b>Adidas Yeezy Official Website</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy350.us.com/"><b>Yeezy 350</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordan1.uk.com/"><b>Jordan 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikesoutlet.us.com/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.supplyyeezys.us/"><b>YEEZY SUPPLY</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.pandoracharms.cc/"><b>Pandora Charms</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeshoes.cc/"><b>Nike Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeoutlet.uk.com/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a> <br />    <br /><a href="https://www.pandoraoutlet.org/"><b>Pandora Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordanshoess.com/"><b>Jordan Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.air-jordan4.com/"><b>Air Jordan 4</b></a> <br />    <br /><a href="https://www.pandorajewelryusa.us.com/"><b>Pandora Jewelry</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.ringspandora.com/"><b>Pandora Rings</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.bracelets-pandora.com/"><b>Pandora Bracelets</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy-adidas.us.com/"><b>Adidas Yeezy</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yzy.us.com/"><b>Yeezy</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.charmspandora.us.com/"><b>Pandora Charms</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeoutletstore.us.com/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.adidas-yeezy.org/"><b>Adidas Yeezy</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.airmax-720.com/"><b>Air Max 720</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nike-airmax270.com/"><b>Nike Air Max 270</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.air-jordan11.com/"><b>Air Jordan 11</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.air-force1.com/"><b>Air Force 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.air-jordan1.com/"><b>Air Jordan 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nike-jordans.com/"><b>Nike Jordans</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordan-1s.com/"><b>Jordan 1s</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.pandorauk.uk.com/"><b>Pandora UK</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikejordan1.com/"><b>Nike Jordan 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.jordan-1.org/"><b>Jordan 1</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezyslides.us.com/"><b>Yeezy Slides</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeairvapormax.us/"><b>Nike Air VaporMax</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikevapormaxflyknit.com/"><b>Nike Vapormax Flyknit</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.airjordan1-mid.com/"><b>Air Jordan 1 Mid</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezyadidas.de/"><b>Adidas yeezy</b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.yeezy-shoess.com/"><b>Yeezy Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.adidasyeezy.me.uk/"><b>Adidas Yeezy</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy350.de/"><b>Yeezy 350</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikes.us.com/"><b>Nike Shoes</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeoutletstoreonlineshopping.us/"><b>Nike Outlet</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezystore.us.com/"><b>Yeezy</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nflshopofficialonlinestore.com/"><b>NFL Shop Official Online Store</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.nikeuk.uk.com/"><b>Nike UK</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy.uk.com/"><b>Yeezy</b></a><br />    <br /><a href="https://www.yeezy350.uk.com/"><b>Yeezy 350</b></a>

ida sanka 2 September 2021

Very helpful and good value as well. Will definitely use them again custom closets

Priya Sharma 31 August 2021

Hi guys great selection Ahmedabad Escort service for fulfil your sexual requirement because it is a easy way of fun with Independent call girls in Ahmedabad so you can hire and enjoy with us. - http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/
Visit Our Other Call Girls Service Cities    
Udaipur Escorts Service- http://www.udaipurescortsx.com/      ;
Jaipur Escorts- http://www.sonamsharma.com/               ;
Ahmedabad Escorts- http://www.ranipari.com/         ;
Udaipur Call girls- http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/udaipur-escorts-call-girls-service.html               ;
Surat Escorts- http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/surat-escorts.html      ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ujjain-escorts-call-girls-service.html   ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/dewas-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/jalgaon-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/vadodara-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/rajkot-escorts.html   ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/junagadh-escorts.html   ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/jamnagar-escorts.html   ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/bhavnagar-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/gandhinagar-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/bhuj-escorts.html   ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/bharuch-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/veraval-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/anand-escorts.html   ;
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/gandhidham-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/saputara-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/champaner-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/gondal-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/navsari-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/palanpur-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/valsad-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/nadiad-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/godhra-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/mehsana-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/morbi-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/palitana-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ambaji-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/vapi-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ankleshwar-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/adalaj-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/dahod-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/amreli-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/dakor-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/botad-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/kandla-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/diu-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/mandvi-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/anjar-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/himmatnagar-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/panchmahal-escorts.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/kutch-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/somnath-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/porbandar-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/jalna-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/aurangabad-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/indore-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/chopda-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/badnawar-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/badnagar-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/shajapur-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/nagda-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ratlam-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/sillod-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/bhusawal-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/amalner-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ahmednagar-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/dhule-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/sabarmati-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/cg-road-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/vastrapur-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/naroda-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/narol-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/sg-highway-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/gota-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/chandkheda-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ambawadi-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/asarwa-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ashram-road-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/satellite-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/sarkhej-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/paldi-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/sola-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/ranip-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/shahpur-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/thaltej-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/vasna-escorts-call-girls-service.html
http://www.ahmedabadescortsx.com/maninagar-escorts-call-girls-service.html
   

Mason Jack 25 August 2021

Hi! this is a nice article you shared with a great informative post. thankful to you for giving to us, I additionally reliably increase some new helpful information from your post.
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/www-amazon-comcode-prime/">Primevideo.com/mytv</a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/www-amazon-commytventercode/">www.amazon.com/mytv</a>; |
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/www-amazon-comcode-prime/">amazon.com/code</a> |
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/paypallogin-signin/">Paypal login </a>
<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/www-primevideo-commytvs/">Primevideo.com/mytv</a>

jones Elizabeth 21 August 2021

Nothing compares to Weber using Genesis sort of grills. That is certainly the type gas grills which have been that will always make sure that they deliver a high performance part of down interval N95 Mask

jones Elizabeth 21 August 2021

Nothing compares to Weber using Genesis sort of grills. That is certainly the type gas grills which have been that will always make sure that they deliver a high performance part of down interval   <a href="https://gsmedic.com/">N95 Mask</a>

bubbly hubs 21 July 2021

Hello Guys, it will very surprise for you if you read my all article which details given below ..!
http://www.bubblyhub.in/index.html
https://indirapuramescortservice.wordpress.com/
https://bubblyhub.onlineweb.shop/

anika malhotra 7 June 2021

I love reading your blog. I’ve bookmarked your website in order to check out the latest stuff.
https://www.delhi-escorts.in/dwarka-escorts.html
https://www.delhi-escorts.in/vip-mahipalpur-call-girls-make-your-day-special.html
https://www.delhi-escorts.in/vasant-kunj-escorts.html

parul sharma 5 June 2021

I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the good work. I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea. http://www.sonalisharma.co.in/
http://www.sonalisharma.co.in/aerocity-escorts.html
http://www.sonalisharma.co.in/karolbagh-escorts-service.html

MethoNatu 23 December 2020

This article is a great example on the failure of Philosophy to monitor it's publications and distinguish itself from pseudo Philosophy.

kyoung21b 13 March 2020

I'm attracted to panpsychism (and the 2 hypothesis offered here) as an "explanation" of consciousness but I find I have too many questions to really buy in at this point. E.g. does consciousness have structure, which seem to be implied by the existence of being simpler and more complex forms of it ? If so how would one study the nature of that ? E.g. do we assume that just listing the properties that science finds as what the various manifestations do, is sufficient ? Then we seem to just have a statement of consciousness as fundamental by fiat which doesn't seem very satisfying. If, on the other hand, we assume there is some way of describing the various underlying forms of consciousness, e.g. as some sort of hierarchy of states, how in the world do we go about figuring out how to do that ? Maybe some form of Nagel's expansion of science into the description of subjective states ? But if that's possible than we seem to getting back towards some kind of Cartesian nightmare re. the issues of things like reductionism/emergentism in both the empirical realm (what things do) and the fundamental realm (studies of the structure of consciousness). Obviously I'm confused and there's more to ponder here !