Ep 67. The Charlie Rose Brain Series 2: Consciousness

In The Charlie Rose Brain Series 2: Consciousness, the titular host delves into the mysteries of the human mind, examining the concept of consciousness with a variety of experts in the field. The episode begins with a discussion of the brain and how it can create consciousness, exploring the role of neurons and the different areas of the brain that contribute to our thoughts and perceptions.

Rose then speaks with renowned philosopher David Chalmers, who has written extensively on the so-called "hard problem" of consciousness, which asks how it is possible for subjective experience to arise from physical processes in the brain. Chalmers argues that consciousness cannot be fully explained through scientific analysis and must be considered a fundamental aspect of the universe, much like space and time.

Later in the episode, Rose talks to neuroscientist Christof Koch, who has done groundbreaking work on the neural basis of consciousness. Koch emphasizes the importance of studying the brain at the level of individual neurons and synapses, in order to understand how information is processed and integrated to create conscious experience.

Psychologist and author Daniel Kahneman also appears on the show, discussing his research on decision-making and the role of intuition in our judgments. Kahneman argues that conscious thought is only one part of the decision-making process, and that much of our behavior is driven by automatic, unconscious processes.

Finally, Rose speaks with philosopher Patricia Churchland, who takes a more materialist approach to consciousness and argues that it can ultimately be understood through scientific investigation. Churchland discusses the evolution of consciousness in the animal kingdom and how it is likely to continue to develop in the future.

Throughout the episode, Rose poses thought-provoking questions to his guests, challenging them to think deeply about the nature of consciousness and what it means for our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The Charlie Rose Brain Series 2: Consciousness is a fascinating exploration of one of the ultimate mysteries of the human experience.