#advaita #vedanta #sarvapriyananda
Swami Sarvapriyananda reflects on the five great unsolved questions in philosophy published by Oxford University Press, noting that the first four are directly related to consciousness. He emphasizes the centrality of consciousness to the three main branches of philosophy: metaphysics (what is real), epistemology (how do you know anything), and axiology (values and the purpose of life). From the Advaita Vedanta perspective, Swami Sarvapriyananda asserts that Brahman (existence), Chaitanya (consciousness), and Ananda (bliss) provide a unified answer to these questions.

The discussion then delves into the recent surge in interest in consciousness studies, attributed to advancements in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and developments in information sciences. Swami Sarvapriyananda introduces the hard problem of consciousness, emphasizing the explanatory gap between brain activity and subjective experience.

Drawing on his experience at Harvard Divinity School and discussions with philosophers, Swami Sarvapriyananda suggests that the philosophy of mind has reached a point of stagnation. He recounts a bet between David Chalmers and Christoph Koch, where Koch predicted the imminent reduction of consciousness to brain activity within 25 years. However, upon reflection, Koch admits to no progress in solving the hard problem.

Swami Sarvapriyananda explores the limitations of AI, noting its success in tasks such as creating art and generating content but highlighting its inability to possess consciousness. He questions why AI cannot be made conscious and argues that consciousness is fundamentally different from other cognitive functions.

The talk concludes with a reference to Gallen Strausen's perspective on the hard problem of matter and consciousness. Evan Thompson's acknowledgment of the Upanishads as the origins of consciousness studies in Indian philosophy is highlighted, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the Indian perspective on consciousness in the subsequent part of the discussion.

** Title **
Reality and Reality+ : Advaita Vedanta and the Hard Problem of Consciousness by Swami Sarvapriyananda

** Filmed **
Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture Golpark
Seminar on "The ReEmergence of Spirituality in 21st Century Philosophy" held from 2nd to 4th January 2024.

Swami Sarvapriyananda | Vedanta New York | Vedanta Society of Southern California | Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture Golpark, Kolkata

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