Panpsychism and other theories of consciousness

What is consciousness?
What do you think of panpsychism?

This excerpt is from a video by The Institute of Art and Ideas, reproduced with permission.

For more views on these questions – from professor of philosophy Phillip Goff, cognitive psychologist Donald Hoffman, philosopher James Ladyman and professor of religion Mary-Jane Rubenstein – watch the full video:

For more on panpsychism and conciousness watch the debate between Rupert Sheldrake, George Ellis and Amie Thomasson:


Dr Rupert Sheldrake, PhD, is a biologist and author best known for his hypothesis of morphic resonance. At Cambridge University he worked in developmental biology as a Fellow of Clare College. He was Principal Plant Physiologist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and From 2005 to 2010 was Director of the Perrott-Warrick project, Cambridge.

Rupert's latest book:
Ways to Go Beyond And Why They Work

IAI is The Institute of Art and Ideas
Philosophy for our times: cutting edge debates and talks from the world's leading thinkers.

[lawrence]

'...illusion is itself a mode of consciousness....' Thank you for that bit.

[lovedicedtomatoes]

I was just thinking today what a treasure Rupert is and now this video pops up! His interview with Jeffrey Mishlove for Thinking Allowed decades ago was legitimately life changing for me.

[lukebeam]

You're a guru, meaning one who dispels darkness. Thank you thank you thank you

[Gkuljian]

Right after watching this a tune popped into my head-

I could while away the hours Conferrin' with the flowers, Consulting with the rain; And my head I'd be a scratchin' While my thoughts are busy hatchin' If I only had a brain.

[ImaginationBlue]

Right on, Rupert. Once again, your courage and insight inspires. Thank you.

[lancelotdufrane]

Thank you, Sir. Absolutely my Favorite kind of conversation!

[Deliquescentinsight]

The universe is alive, everything has a substrate of connection, and we emerge, expand and go back up through the middle on a glorious eternal cycle, it occurs to me.

[spiritfilled]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Belief is the lack of KNOWING.... This world view is the most fulfilling and logical view I've considered to date.. " I'm still growing".. I do know ( I am ) a Spiritual being having a physical experience. I've been searching for answers to many questions for 50 years. I come from a classical Christian world view however this left me empty and more confused. Many questions could not be answered by my pastor or bible teacher's and often my questions convicted me that I had a lack of faith ( Just believe ) I was born in this world with a mind that does not allow me to live life in simple belief. I have serious questions The Holy Bible told me to test all things & let no man deceive you. I feel I've allowed myself to be deceived and miss led my entire life because ( I ) sought out and trusted in man to lead me & did not trust myself or my own experience. Most people are continent with a surface understanding, general knowledge but that left me wanting and empty.. I need more to fill fulfilled. So I am on a journey to seek out Knowledge and experience in my own life to answer MY questions. I'm determined to gain what I'm lacking and in need of thru my own Life experience. I want to know not only believe. A new beginning and adventure we call life. Thank you again, For opening the door for those of us who seek more.

[Jamiejamjar]

It fascinates me the question of emerging consciousness being different.

[JUITZING]

one of the few who really understands it!

[RickyDaleBrown]

I can imagine Terrence McKenna being asked what it's like to be the most intelligent and conscious scholar in the world that he might reply that maybe you should ask Rupert Sheldrake! AHO! Bless

[luchiadance]

I think language holds us back from spiritually evolving. Some things that you experience just can't be adequately conveyed through language for some.

[ItsnotCelery]

dropped a heavy thick bottomed glass 2am parents jumped out of bed looking for intruders exactly same time they live 6 miles away and father is stone deaf without hearing aids which he removes to sleep

[adrianobulla]

I just wish people followed the truth and reason instead of sheltering under a materialist view for comfort and fear of the unknown...

[matonmongo]

Now THIS is what a true Scientist looks like!

[Jacob]

I would pay bottom dollar to see a discussion between Rupert Sheldrake and William Dembski (wrote Being as Communion).

[billyoumans]

It’s the awareness in which everything appears.

[GrigorisDeoudis]

Consciousness is an omnipresent multidimensional field surrounding us Humans, of which we are able to grasp only fractions of it, depending to the amount of life force (or vital energy, ch'i, prana shakti) that someone has from birth and s/he didn't spent in one's life. Therefore, consciousness is consisted of various levels and qualities, and according to one's level of psychic absorption, the definition may vary greatly from one person to another ~

[dangerouspie]

He says that the universe is more like an organism than a machine, but an organism seems to be a kind of machine.

[captainblimp]

How are things with no brain conscious?