Being No One with Thomas Metzinger

Thomas Metzinger is the Director of the Philosophy Group at the Department of Philosophy at Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz. His research focuses on philosophy of mind, especially on consciousness and the nature of the self. In this lecture he develops a representationalist theory of phenomenal self-consciousness. A Foerster Lectures on the Immortality of the Soul presented by the UC Berkeley Graudate Council. Series: UC Berkeley Graduate Council Lectures [2/2005] [Humanities] [Show ID: 9181]

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[heyassmanx]

Ok mr. pretentious genius, excuse all of the dilettantes for showing interest in your prestigious studies that are only suitable for those of YOUR intellectual caliber. I really hope you reread that comment and realize what a pretentious douche you sound like...

[sy2502]

My question is: if we are self modeling systems, that is systems that model and emulate themselves, doesn't that lead to infinite recursion? It sounds, if I can use a simplistic analogy, like a computer function whose job is to call itself.

[thenthdgree]

So are you saying I had no choice but to will myself to watch the lecture? To me that seems somewhat specious.

[thinkahol]

His theory doesn't negate the possibility of human will; it only shows that the notion of a "free" will is specious.

[DB Hendriks]

Really enjoyed this. Demonstrates the continued relevance of philosophical reflection. Of course he does not prove any "non existence" of self, but only the inadequacy of previous concepts of self.

[Viviane Franciz]

Ha!

good one!

[Viviane Franciz]

Take the set of description about everything, TAKE EACH ONE THAT EXISTS, and answer me:

1. Will you need to understand what every affirmation mean about everything to be in the right condition to conclude what (even if it all) is wrong?

If not....

2. Is the property of being mind fucking (or difficult, or untypical) the parameter whereby affirmations would be wrong?

°-°

[gryffynda1]

Is that a dog barking in the background? It's really distracting :-(

[thenthdgree]

Mr Metzinger is attempting to reveal patterns and structures that are not directly accessible through the senses but only to the mind's eye. Curiously, he appears to simultaneously argue that the mind does not really exist which sets up a bit of a paradox. This difficulty stems from the starting principles surrounding "physical monism" which rejects a priori the possibility that mind is immanent in nature. A better approach may be that of "noetic monism" which sees mind and nature as inseparable

[thenthdgree]

His theory negates the possibility of human will, yet I had to will myself to get through his entire lecture. Lol

[Michael Oxenrider]

I really love the material, but must confess I need it in a more exciting package. I keep tuning out.

[lostcountmister]

if you really believe there is no self, why keep using the first person?