Is consciousness something the brain creates — or is it the foundation of reality itself?

In this episode of Dylan Curious, philosopher Bernardo Kastrup joins us for a deep conversation about the nature of mind, free will, randomness, and whether artificial intelligence could ever truly be conscious.

We explore:

• Why consciousness might be fundamental, not physical

• Whether free will is an illusion

• If randomness really exists in nature

• The limits of AI and machine “minds”

• And what all of this means for how we understand reality

This one gets philosophical, personal, and a little existential — the kind of discussion that sticks with you long after it ends.

Plug in. Slow down. Let’s get curious.

CHAPTERS  ⤵ 

00:00 - Coming Up on the Dylan Curious Podcast Featuring Bernard Kastrup

01:41 - How Similar is AI to the Human Mind?

08:19 - Why is Consciousness fundamental?

10:33 - When Dylan leaves is his Coffee still there?

13:29 - What are Mental States

16:37 - integrated information theory

20:28 - Do We Have Moral Obligations to Transformers?

22:27 - Do You Fear Death?

24:23 - Can you Simulate Consciousness

27:39 - Marker

28:56 - Does Free Will Exist

34:56 - Thoughts on Entropy

38:11 - How did your discoveries change your beliefs?

47:48 - If telepathy is real, how does it work?