Dr. Josh Rasmussen is back to discuss the nature and source of consciousness on this episode of Philosophy Friday. Are we merely physical beings, or is there reason to think we may be more than that. In this episode, Pat and Josh explore a series of arguments in favor of dualism and what this could entail about the ultimate foundation of reality. Please enjoy.
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What Is the Nature and Source of Consciousness? Dr. Josh Rasmussen
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Mentioned Resources
How Reason Can Lead to God – Dr. Josh Rasmussen
A Dialogue Between Ed Feser and Graham Oppy
Related Episodes
How Reason Can Lead to God with Dr. Josh Rasmussen – The Pat Flynn Show
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The Pat Flynn Show
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I’d like to learn more about philosophy, but to be perfectly frank, I don’t want to learn about it in college (hate the PC environment) and I find it difficult to process by reading. I do pick up a lot listening to your podcasts Pat. Are there any podcasts you’d recommend for learning about philosophy and also, about the philosophy of religion. I’m going to check out your related episodes with Dr. Josh, but really want your recommendations.
Hi Hugh,
Yes. I’d highly recommend the Thomistic Institute podcast: https://thomisticinstitute.org/tracks
Mostly, it’s recorded lectures given by various philosophers/theologians at college campuses. So a wide range of topics, all very interesting.
Thanks Pat! Can’t wait to check it out.
This reminds me of the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Measure of a Man” in which a court tries to determine whether the android Mr. Data qualifies as a sentient being. The three criteria are intelligence, self-awareness, and consciousness. The court is stymied as they have no way of measuring consciousness. Based on my very limited knowledge of philosophy, I too wonder if there is any way to truly measure consciousness?
Hey there, Edwin,
It seems the answer to that question must be emphatically, “No.” What makes consciousness so unique is that our self-awareness is just that: a private, first-person experience that is not available to public observation. The most we can do is correlate with various physical phenomena, but from a third person perspective – and this is fun to think about, like with the android example – we’d never know humans were conscious if we did not experience it ourselves and take others at their word. Spooky thought that sometimes leads people to solipsism: maybe all other humans *are* just cleverly programmed androids, and you’re the only conscious being alive!
Of course, I don’t believe that, but it’s an interesting thought.
9 or more senses? Now there’s an argument for philosophers to show some love over. My head is spinning just trying to figure it out, Dr. Josh.
Sometimes I think we’re on the same wavelength Pat. As you know, I’ve been dipping into philosophy thanks to some courses via Audible’s “The Great Courses.” It’s taken me some time to get through but coincidentally, I just finished a chapter on Ontology “What There “Really” Is. Anyways, there are a couple great points (I think dealing with consciousness). The lecturer makes a good point:
“Unless the entire human race has been subject to constant hallucinations and delusions, common sense and daily experience testify to the truth of the claim ‘There are things distinct from myself that continue in time and in space independently of my concepts of them.’”
Now without consciousness, it would be impossible to ascertain this, correct? I love the analogy of how we get out of bed and realize where we are, who we are, and what we’re going to do. It really is amazing how we have this incredible self-awareness and how we can become even more aware if we use our God-given mind to analyze and reason the world around us. That’s why I like coming here. I certainly am not on the same level of philosophical knowledge and experience as you and your guests, but this is a place to learn and grow. It’s a place where people can reason, argue (the right way), and explore new concepts.
I know you asked me who the professor was for the Natural Law course and figured you might want to know who this one is. His name is Daniel N. Robinson.