Episode
#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
1:05:52
Published: Thu Feb 27 2020
Description
Heather Berlin is a cognitive neuroscientist and Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine. All humans have a subjective experience of reality, but why? What does it mean that a collection of atoms, arranged into a particular configuration, is able to consider its own existence? How can it dream, reflect and not only be a passenger within its environment but to also become captain of the ship and affect its own destiny? Get Surfshark VPN - https://surfshark.deals/MODERNWISDOM (Enter Promo Code MODERNWISDOM for 83% off & One Extra Month Free) Extra Stuff: Follow Heather on Twitter - https://twitter.com/heather_berlin Check out Heather's Website - https://heatherberlin.com/ Take a break from alcohol and upgrade your life - https://6monthssober.com/podcast Check out everything I recommend from books to products - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact
Chapters
In this episode, the guest Heather Boleyn, a cognitive neuroscientist and psychologist, answers the question of what consciousness is and how it works in our brains.
00:00 - 01:27 (01:27)
Summary
In this episode, the guest Heather Boleyn, a cognitive neuroscientist and psychologist, answers the question of what consciousness is and how it works in our brains. Additionally, the episode is sponsored by Surfshark VPN, a service that allows you to become invisible online and protect your privacy.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
The integrated information theory of consciousness suggests that any system with a high degree of integrated, differentiated information will exhibit consciousness.
01:27 - 09:08 (07:41)
Summary
The integrated information theory of consciousness suggests that any system with a high degree of integrated, differentiated information will exhibit consciousness. This theory applies to the brain due to the integration of information between neurons, and can also potentially apply to other systems such as plants.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, works by changing the brain through our thoughts.
09:08 - 17:42 (08:33)
Summary
Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, works by changing the brain through our thoughts. Research is interested in identifying the neural basis for different psychiatric disorders and coming up with novel treatments for symptoms.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
MDMA and Psychedelics are being studied as a potential treatment for PTSD.
17:42 - 23:11 (05:29)
Summary
MDMA and Psychedelics are being studied as a potential treatment for PTSD. It is believed that they can re-associate traumatic memories with more neutral emotions, and have a positive impact on the brain's physical structure.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
The process of perception involves the stimulation of the retina, the thalamus, the visual cortex and the prefrontal cortex.
23:11 - 29:30 (06:19)
Summary
The process of perception involves the stimulation of the retina, the thalamus, the visual cortex and the prefrontal cortex. Deep brain stimulation is a potential treatment for disorders where first-line treatments have failed.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
The speaker suggests that one can gain control over their anxiety by consciously directing their thoughts to something positive, as opposed to trying to suppress or avoid negative thoughts.
29:30 - 35:41 (06:11)
Summary
The speaker suggests that one can gain control over their anxiety by consciously directing their thoughts to something positive, as opposed to trying to suppress or avoid negative thoughts.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
The conscious experience of a baby is similar to a psychedelic trip and there's no specific place in the brain where it happens, but rather an oscillatory firing of neurons.
35:41 - 39:23 (03:41)
Summary
The conscious experience of a baby is similar to a psychedelic trip and there's no specific place in the brain where it happens, but rather an oscillatory firing of neurons.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
While we may not have free will in a philosophical sense, we still have the capacity for self-control and responsibility for our actions, and this knowledge shapes our behavior.
39:24 - 44:35 (05:11)
Summary
While we may not have free will in a philosophical sense, we still have the capacity for self-control and responsibility for our actions, and this knowledge shapes our behavior. Neuroscience shows that decisions can be predicted up to 10 seconds before conscious awareness, raising questions about the illusion of free will.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
The emergent properties of classical physics do not scale up to the quantum level and the indeterminacy at the quantum level does not affect our free will choices in the classical world.
44:35 - 49:14 (04:38)
Summary
The emergent properties of classical physics do not scale up to the quantum level and the indeterminacy at the quantum level does not affect our free will choices in the classical world.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
The concept of the self is not a fixed point in our brain, it is constantly changing and developing based on experiences and stages of life.
49:14 - 56:49 (07:34)
Summary
The concept of the self is not a fixed point in our brain, it is constantly changing and developing based on experiences and stages of life. Psychology identifies different stages of development for identity, but there is no final destination where we are done evolving as a person.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
Dr. Maya Shankar discusses whether animals exhibit adaptive behavior to plan for the future or if it is strictly a human trait, noting the unique ability humans have to both experience anxiety about the future and make predictions about it.
56:49 - 1:04:32 (07:43)
Summary
Dr. Maya Shankar discusses whether animals exhibit adaptive behavior to plan for the future or if it is strictly a human trait, noting the unique ability humans have to both experience anxiety about the future and make predictions about it.
Episode#146 - Dr Heather Berlin - Considering Consciousness
PodcastModern Wisdom
Heather Berlin discusses her upcoming book "The Fine Art of Losing Control," which explores impulse control and the benefits of letting go in a controlled manner.
1:04:32 - 1:05:39 (01:07)
Summary
Heather Berlin discusses her upcoming book "The Fine Art of Losing Control," which explores impulse control and the benefits of letting go in a controlled manner. She also shares her website and social media handles for those interested in connecting with her online.