David Chalmers: The Hard Problem of Consciousness | Lex Fridman Podcast #69

I really enjoyed this conversation with David. Here's the outline: 0:00 - Introduction 2:23 - Nature of reality: Are we living in a simulation? 19:19 - Consciousness in virtual reality 27:46 - Music-color synesthesia 31:40 - What is consciousness? 51:25 - Consciousness and the meaning of life 57:33 - Philosophical zombies 1:01:38 - Creating the illusion of consciousness 1:07:03 - Conversation with a clone 1:11:35 - Free will 1:16:35 - Meta-problem of consciousness 1:18:40 - Is reality an illusion? 1:20:53 - Descartes' evil demon 1:23:20 - Does AGI need conscioussness? 1:33:47 - Exciting future 1:35:32 - Immortality

Seriously, Lex you need a standing ovation for your ability, or your personal interest, in selecting a guest for your podcast. It has been outstanding, I almost quit another podcasts and only listen yours, because you always have superlative guest for most of whom I personally am interested (maybe the reason is that my personal interest is highly correlated with that of yours, which is "how the heck the mind works?")

You’ve quickly become the best science interviewer caster imo thanks dude!

Lex developing one hell of a guest catalog salute!

Lex your content is like mediations My morning commutes have been blessed with such wisdom and open minded questioning. From the bottom of my heart, thank you

I love how he begins with some small talk and easy openers.... "do you think we live in a simulation?". This is why i love this cast.

When I first heard about David Chalmers and the "hard problem of consciousness", I thought he was just some new age thinker that didn't want to accept modern science. How wrong I was. I realize now David Chalmers is a very smart naturalist who honestly wants to understand consciousness and is willing to think outside the box to get there. I feel a lot of committed physicalist neuroscientists don't understand his position and just dismiss him as a guy believing in souls.

This is by far the best interview with Chalmers I have ever seen.

Chalmers looks and sounds so chill. Gotta love his flexibility of thought when it comes to all the possible likely (and seemingly not so likely) interpretations of the nature of consciousness.

This podcast needs to be shared more, this is an absolutely mindblowing conversation. I had to go through it twice, just ot enjoy the ride another time. (ok fine, I listened to it 3 times lol)

I realize I’m asking for stuff without appreciating your channel. This is my favorite YouTube channel and exposes me to so much that I wouldn’t otherwise see! Thank you so much for taking time to do such a great job interview interesting people. It’s great how you are prepared to get as much value as possible from you guests

I’ve seen Dave in so many physics youtube videos over the years, it’s been wonderful to enjoy hearing an in-depth conversation with him for the first time. Thank you Lex and Dave!

I actually went to sleep this time without checking youtube(which I deeply regret), but woke up to this!!!! What a start to the Day!!! Thank You Lex!!!!!!

Lex, you ask fantastic questions. They are so well thought out, and phrased. You are very thoughtful with the questions, and although at times it comes off as non-candid, it leads to amazing conversation. Thank you so much for all you do and for asking the hard questions.

Been following your podcast for a while now, and this is by far one of the top contemporary philosophical "casual" conversations I ever heard in my life.

Loving your podcasts Lex. Keep them up! The depth of your questions and your ability to dig deeper is something most interviewers don't have.

Thoroughly engrossing. I want to say how much I appreciate your ability stay right with your guests intellectually, and further elevate the conversations. You consistently provide a very high quality learning experience. Much respect and appreciation.

Ah philosophy and computer science, my favorite blend 🤗

Hey Lex ! Thank you for these brilliant discussions that you share with us. We are indeed fortunate to have a dedicated person like you in the society who helps people understand AI , Philosophy , Economics and beyond by having such meaningful conversations. Be it doing dishes , or driving to work I love listening to your conversations. Your message of having a curious mind wrapped in a blanked of kindness is something we all should take a note of. More power to you and looking forward to more such talks. :)

We need David back. I love listening to him. 👍