What does it mean to be conscious, and why does it feel like something to be you? Neuroscientist Anil Seth argues that consciousness isn’t a mysterious spark but a deeply biological process, one that depends on prediction, perception, and the body’s constant negotiation with the world.

In this conversation with philosopher Jonny Thomson, he explores how our brains don’t passively observe reality, but rather actively construct it.

0:00 Non-human consciousness

1:40 The current state of consciousness science

2:10 What is consciousness?

4:05 The similarity of conscious experiences

5:48 Consciousness in the brain

11:23 Technology for measuring consciousness

16:03 Measuring consciousness levels

20:33 Pragmatic physicalism and functionalism

23:25 Pansychism

28:25 Emergence

32:35 AI and consciousness

36:49 The difference between non-human animals and AI

41:49 Is artificial consciousness possible?

48:12 Consciousness in the body and outside the brain

Consciousness in the future and AI

50:27 Audience Q&A

50:41 Could computers could simulate the brain and body?

59:55 Why are you skeptical about asserting the dependency of life to the consciousness?

1:03:31 If consciousness is so clinical, does it undermine free will?

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About Anil Seth:

Anil Seth is a neuroscientist, author, and public speaker who has pioneered research into the brain basis of consciousness for more than 20 years. He is the author of Being You: A New Science of Consciousness.

About Jonny Thomson:

Jonny Thomson taught philosophy in Oxford for more than a decade before turning to writing full-time. He’s a columnist at Big Think and is the award-winning, bestselling author of three books that have been translated into 22 languages.

Jonny is also the founder of Mini Philosophy, a social network of around two million curious, intelligent minds. He's known all over the world for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and fun.