Is your sense of self merely a biological prediction?
Neuroscientist Anil Seth and author Michael Pollan explore the profound mystery of subjective experience. This conversation examines how the brain constructs our reality and whether consciousness extends beyond humans into the natural world.
In this lecture filmed at the Royal Institution on March 21, 2026, the speakers delve into the science and philosophy of consciousness. The discussion centers on Seth's theory that the brain 'predicts' the world into existence, creating a distinction between our internal experienced reality and the objective world.
The dialogue investigates the origins of the 'self' and explores the boundaries of consciousness, questioning how far it might reach into the animal kingdom and the broader natural world.
Source: How does your brain create your sense of self? Part 2 with Anil Seth and Michael Pollan
