Episode #181 - What if consciousness is an illusion?
What if consciousness is an illusion?
This episode explores the theory of illusionism in consciousness studies. It examines the claim that phenomenal consciousness may not be a separate feature of reality but a byproduct of the brain’s physical processes. The discussion highlights how common metaphors shape our understanding of consciousness, often reinforcing the belief that subjective experience is something distinct and in need of special explanation. Philosophers such as Susan Blackmore and Daniel Dennett argue that this belief might be based on misleading intuitions. They propose that the feeling of a unified self is a simplified representation created by the brain. The episode also considers objections to illusionism, including the concern that calling consciousness an illusion may mischaracterize its role. It concludes by introducing the topic of free will, which will be explored in the next episode.
Further Reading:
Consciousness Explained by Daniel C. Dennett (1991)
Consciousness: An Introduction by Susan Blackmore (2003)
Illusionism: As a Theory of Consciousness edited by Keith Frankish (2017)
See the full transcript here.
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