(Conversation recorded on June 3rd, 2024)

A conversation with retired philosophy Professor Thomas Metzinger, whose entire career, and life really, has been focused on pursuing the analytical philosophy of mind and exploring consciousness was bound to be fascinating and enriching.

I wanted to know about what Thomas had learned about consciousness in his research and practice (he’s authored 7 books on the topic) and he wanted to know about my journey into Tibetan Buddhism and my studies in India. Together, our conversation happily brought me back to the roots of Buddhism, to the study of consciousness, to the practice of meditation, and so much more. We talked about how Thomas’ work intersects with the work of Professor Karl Friston, who was the one who recommended I talk with Thomas.

And we also got into some very pressing issues like the mental health crisis in young people, how to better prepare humans for a world that has commoditized attention, and also why Thomas spearheaded a letter requesting a moratorium until 2050 on AI research that aims at or risks the emergence of AI consciousness.

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