January 25, 2025

Nir Lahav: Can Physics Explain Consciousness? A Relativistic Theory & the Equivalence Principle

1 hour 35 minutes

Dr Nir Lahav PhD, is a Physicist from Bar-Ilan University, now at Cambridge University. His field of study is in Neuroscience and Consciousness studies. He uses network theory, non linear dynamics and chaos. He developed The Relativistic Theory of Consciousness - a new physical theory in order to solve the hard problem of consciousness. He is also developing a model for chaotic neural networks in collaboration with Zachariah Neemeh, his 2022 paper ("A Relativistic Theory of Consciousness") was chosen as one of the most influential articles of the year by Neuroscience News.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:00) - Introduction

(1:18) - Definition of Consciousness

(5:44) - A Relativistic Theory of Consciousness

(15:48) - The Equivalence Principle & the Zombie Argument

(21:42) - Physicalism vs Reductive Materialism

(28:56) - Nir's Exploration of Relativity & Consciousness

(37:20) - How to test the Relativistic Theory (future experiments & predictions)

(42:08) - Emergentism, Functionalism, & Cognitive Frames of Reference

(53:25) - Cognitive Maps & Consciousness

(1:00:00) - Animal/AI Consciousness (minimal conditions)

(1:03:30) - Free Will & Determinism

(1:12:55) - Is the Universe be Conscious? (from a Relativistic Approach)

(1:22:18) - From Absolutism to Relativism

(1:31:20) - Future work

(1:33:10) - Conclusion

EPISODE LINKS:

- Nir's Website: https://www.lahavnir.com/

- Nir's Paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079610723001128

- Nir's "GoFundMe": https://gofund.me/b37c00d5

CONNECT:

- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com

- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/mindbodysolution

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- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu

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