Michael Pollan on Consciousness
Author Michael Pollan discussed his new book, "A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness," on KQED's Forum. Pollan explored the 'hard problem' of consciousness and warned that modern technology and AI threaten the 'private space of interiority' that is fundamental to human creativity.
- This book marks a thematic shift for Pollan, who is best known for his award-winning books on the socio-cultural impacts of food, including "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and "The Botany of Desire". - The "hard problem" of consciousness, a central theme in Pollan's discussion, is a term coined by philosopher David Chalmers to question how physical processes in the brain create subjective experiences. - Pollan's interest in the topic is not new; his 2018 book, "How to Change Your Mind," investigated how psychedelics affect consciousness, and his new book continues this exploration from multiple perspectives including scientific, spiritual, and psychedelic. - He argues that true consciousness is unlikely in AI because it lacks a body, which he posits is necessary for feelings, suffering, and mortality—all of which he sees as integral to subjective experience. - Pollan distinguishes between the brain and a computer, noting that every experience physically rewires the brain, unlike software which can run on interchangeable hardware. - The new book explores consciousness in non-human entities, from the work of "plant neurobiologists" to scientists attempting to engineer feelings into artificial intelligence. - The initial inspiration for "A World Appears" came from a personal psychedelic experience where Pollan felt that flowers in his garden were looking back at him.
