TLDR:
- Christof Koch’s new book “Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It,” takes a fresh, politics-facing approach to the question of what human consciousness really is.
- Koch discusses the importance of personal and biographical experiences in understanding consciousness and explores the challenges of the Mind-Body Problem.
- He delves into the debate about consciousness in different states, such as in fully developed humans, fetuses, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
- Koch also touches on the growing interest in psychedelics for exploring consciousness and mental health, emphasizing the need for caution and respect for traditional indigenous practices.
The article delves into an interview with neuroscientist Christof Koch, who discusses his new book “Then I Am Myself the World: What Consciousness Is and How to Expand It.” Koch emphasizes the importance of personal experiences in understanding consciousness, highlighting the challenges of the Mind-Body Problem. He explores different states of consciousness, including in fully developed humans, fetuses, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries, shedding light on the complexities of defining consciousness. Additionally, Koch discusses the growing interest in psychedelics for mental health and consciousness exploration, cautioning about the risks and advocating for respect for traditional indigenous practices.