The Neural Correlates of Being the World: Christof Koch & Bernardo Kastrup in Conversation

We're delighted to have Chrisof Koch returning for a second dialogue & Q&A with Bernardo Kastrup.

Christof is one of the most celebrated figures in consciousness science, renowned for his groundbreaking work alongside Francis Crick (co-discoverer of the DNA double helix) and spearheading the modern search for the neural correlates of consciousness.

A prolific researcher, author, and public intellectual, he has played a central role in shaping the field, earning widespread recognition for bringing serious scientific attention to questions once thought purely philosophical. His leadership at the Allen Institute and his championing of Integrated Information Theory have positioned him as a visionary voice at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and the nature of mind.

Integrated Information Theory (IIT) attempts to account for consciousness by identifying and mathematically modeling the intrinsic structure of information that gives rise to subjective experience.

After decades of celebrated and pioneering work in neuroscience and consciousness research, In recent interviews and dialogues—including with Bernardo— Christof has recently reflected on the limitations of physicalist explanations for consciousness.

Respectively, whilst once critical of IIT, Bernardo Kastrup now believes it's recent iterations, and its mathematical formalism as a potential map of how universal consciousness dissociates into seemingly separate minds. A groundbreaking tool for modeling consciousness from an idealist perspective.

You can the recording of the first event here:

You can attend this event as a one-off, or as part of the membership programme With Reality in Mind. 

Event is recorded and emailed to everyone registered within 48 hours.

About Christof Koch

Christof Koch was the president and chief scientist of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle where he remains as a Meritorious Investigator. He is known for his interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from neuroscience, physics, and philosophy to tackle the complex problem of consciousness. His work has been published in over 350 scientific papers, significantly shaped modern understanding of the neural correlates of consciousness and visual perception.

In collaboration with Francis Crick, Cristof initiated the modern search for the neuronal correlates of consciousness, a systematic experimental program to identify the minimal bio-physical mechanisms jointly sufficient for any one specific conscious percept. In collaboration with Giulio Tononi, he co-developed the Integrated Information Theory of consciousness.

About Bernardo Kastrup

Photo by Pedro Henrique Casarin

Bernardo Kastrup's work has been leading the modern renaissance of the philosophical position, ‘metaphysical idealism’ that reality is essentially mental, an appearance in ‘mind.’  Bernardo has a Ph.D. in philosophy (ontology, philosophy of mind) and another Ph.D. in computer engineering (reconfigurable computing, artificial intelligence). As a scientist, Bernardo has worked for the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the 'Casimir Effect' of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Formulated in detail in many academic papers and books, his ideas have been featured on Scientific American, the Institute of Art and Ideas, the Blog of the American Philosophical Association and Big Think, among others. Bernardo's most recent book is The Idea of the World: A multi-disciplinary argument for the mental nature of reality. For more information, freely downloadable papers, videos, etc., please visit www.bernardokastrup.com.

About Amir Giles

Amir runs Adventures in Awareness and hosts With Reality in Mind to foster connections between meditators, scientists and philosophers, aimed at generating new insights that can benefit ordinary people. Through discussion, events and courses he hosts explorations in what it means to be a ‘modern mystic’ - balancing the challenges and gifts of modern life whilst alive to timeless mystery.

He previously worked for 20 years as a choreographer, performer and movement artist on everything from the Royal Opera House & the Royal Court, to MARVEL and Tom Cruise movies, specialising in contemporary dance, contact improvisation and Argentine tango. 

He remains interested into how insight can transform how we move, relate and live. 

ENQUIRIES: amir@adventuresinawareness.com
 

REFUNDS: Please note that we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. We welcome swapping or reselling your tickets with people you know.