Panpsychism is the extreme claim that everything in the physical worldall subatomic particles–are in some sense “conscious” or have a basic kind of “proto-consciousness.” Why are an increasing number of leading philosophers taking panpsychism seriously? Something must be up. Could it be doubts stemming from the belief that science has failed to explain consciousness?

On this episode of Recovering the Sacred, Peter Reason discusses the sacred as immanent in a sentient world.

According to our standard view of things, consciousness exists only in the brains of highly evolved organisms, and hence consciousness exists only in a tiny part of the universe and only in very recent history (cosmically speaking). According to panpsychism, in contrast, consciousness pervades the universe and is a fundamental feature of it. The view sounds a bit strange, but a growing number of philosophers and neuroscientists are starting to think it might be our best hope for integrating consciousness into our scientific story of the universe. Dr Philip Goff explains why consciousness poses such a challenge for contemporary science and why panpsychism might be the answer.

In this podcast episode, host Lex Fridman interviews philosopher Philip Goff on panpsychism.

This episode of Spotlights features Matthew David Segall, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies. He discusses his new book, Physics of the World-Soul: Alfred North Whitehead’s Adventure in Cosmology (SacraSage Press, 2021), describing the context and key concepts of Whitehead’s process philosophy. Sam Mickey and Matthew reflect on Whiteheadian contributions to debates on a variety of topics, including panpsychism, panentheism, environmental ethics, dialogue between science and religion, and the future of philosophy.

What is panpsychism? Does it finally offer an explanation of consciousness? From the problems with materialism to the tradition of dualism, some of the world’s leading thinkers are asked to explain all. Although one of the oldest philosophical theories, panpsychism is often seen as an outsider in the philosophy of mind. Recent interest in the hard problem of consciousness however has revived interest in panpsychism and means it could provide new understandings of the mind and view of reality. Parapsychology expert Rupert Sheldrake, professor of philosophy Phillip Goff, cognitive psychologist Donald Hoffman, philosopher James Ladyman, and professor of religion Mary-Jane Rubenstein give us their views.

A documentary on Alfred North Whitehead’s Process Philosophy, the mystery of consciousness, and the mind-body problem.