Exploring Consciousness in “A World Appears” by Michael Pollan
In “A World Appears,” Michael Pollan dives into a fascinating topic: consciousness. Humans and animals share an inner life filled with feelings, memories, and experiences. But how do these feelings arise? And what makes them unique?
Pollan suggests that certain organic compounds, like psychedelics, can alter our perception. He writes, “In small doses, psychedelics smudge the pane of normal perception.” This allows us to see our everyday consciousness in a fresh light. His personal experiences with these substances kickstarted his journey into the deeper layers of our minds.
The concept of consciousness has puzzled thinkers for ages. Philosopher David Chalmers labels it the “hard problem.” This question revolves around why physical processes in the brain feel like something at all. Research initiated in the 1990s sets out to find the brain regions responsible for consciousness.
Scientists hone in on the neocortex, the brain’s outer layer, often linked with conscious thought. While identifying exact circuits remains a challenge, theories like integrated information and global neuronal workspace are being explored. Pollan, however, connects more with lived experiences than abstract theories.
Pollan’s journey begins with sentience, or the awareness of being alive. He speaks with philosophers and plant biologists who argue that plants may also possess some form of intelligence. They suggest that neurons might not be necessary for sentience, urging us to reconsider our viewpoints on intelligence and awareness.
Karl Friston, a pioneer in neuroscience, introduces the ‘free energy’ principle. This idea posits that all living beings constantly monitor their environments to maintain stability. Consciousness becomes a form of “felt uncertainty.” Pollan reflects on how many creatures might possess a degree of sentience, challenging the traditional brain-centered view of consciousness.
As he investigates emotions, Pollan learns from experts like neuroscientist Antonio Damasio. He discovers that emotions stem from bodily sensations and that the brainstem plays a crucial role. This reveals that consciousness might not be confined to the neocortex alone.
Pollan also touches on artificial intelligence (AI). Just like humans and animals, robots must adjust to their surroundings. Damasio and Solms are working on creating conscious AI by giving it goals, such as maintaining stable temperatures. This approach contrasts sharply with current AI that lacks an embodied understanding of the world.
There’s ongoing debate about whether AI can ever achieve true consciousness. Pollan remains skeptical, believing that emotions tied to bodily sensations can’t be authentically replicated in machines. The challenge remains: how do we know if AI possesses consciousness or if it’s merely simulating it?
Recent findings support this skepticism. A survey from the Pew Research Center noted that over 60% of experts do not foresee machines achieving consciousness in the next decade. The complexity of human emotions, linked with physical experiences, presents a significant barrier to replicating consciousness in AI.
Pollan’s exploration of consciousness invites us to rethink our place in the world and our understanding of life itself. It raises questions not just about human experience, but also about how we view intelligence in other forms, including nature and technology.
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Brain,Human behaviour,Neuroscience,Philosophy,Psychology,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary
