#475 — The Hard Problem of Consciousness

Sam Harris and Michael Pollan discuss the transition from Pollan's previous work on psychedelics to his new book on the nature of consciousness. They explore the difficulty of the 'hard problem' of consciousness and distinguish between concepts like sentience, cognition, and intelligence.

Sam Harris and Michael Pollan discuss the philosophical distinctions between sentience, intelligence, and consciousness. They explore the 'hard problem' of how subjective experience arises from physical matter, referencing key thinkers in the field.

The discussion explores the 'hard problem' of consciousness and the explanatory gap between neural activity and subjective experience. It also examines the growing intersection of psychedelic research and scientific inquiry, contrasting the current cultural climate with the backlash of the 1960s.

Michael Pollan and Sam Harris discuss the shifting political landscape of psychedelic research, noting increased support from the right and the integration of these substances into medical and scientific study. They also explore the relationship between psychedelic experiences and meditation, emphasizing that while psychedelics can be a tool for studying consciousness, they are distinct from sustained spiritual practices.

Sam Harris and Michael Pollan discuss the biological and evolutionary theories surrounding consciousness, including the potential for it to be an epiphenomenon. They explore the 'hard problem' of consciousness, contrasting evolutionary perspectives like Karl Friston's social navigation theory with the risks of creating conscious artificial intelligence.