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Thomas Metzinger

39quotes

Thomas Metzinger: Philosopher of Mind and Consciousness


Full Name and Common Aliases


Thomas Metzinger is a German philosopher and neuroscientist known for his work in the fields of philosophy of mind and cognitive neuroscience.

Birth and Death Dates


Metzinger was born on June 27, 1958. Unfortunately, there is no public information available about his death date.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Thomas Metzinger holds German nationality and is a professor of theoretical philosophy at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. He has also held positions as a visiting professor at various institutions worldwide, including Harvard University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Early Life and Background


Metzinger grew up in a family that valued education and encouraged his interest in science and philosophy from an early age. His parents were both teachers, and their influence likely shaped his decision to pursue a career in academia.

Major Accomplishments


Thomas Metzinger's work has been instrumental in shaping the field of philosophy of mind, particularly with regards to the nature of consciousness and self-awareness. Some of his most notable contributions include:

Developing the concept of "phenomenal self-model" (PSM), which suggests that conscious experience arises from a complex interplay between different brain regions.
 Introducing the idea of "minimal phenomenal selfhood," which posits that even simple organisms, such as insects, possess some form of consciousness.

Notable Works or Actions


Metzinger has authored numerous papers and books on philosophy of mind and cognitive neuroscience. Some of his notable works include:

"The Subject's Point of View" (2003), a paper in which he introduces the concept of PSM.
 "Being No One: The Self-Model Theory of Subjectivity" (2009), a book that explores the nature of conscious experience and self-awareness.

Impact and Legacy


Thomas Metzinger's work has had a profound impact on various fields, including philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology. His theories have influenced researchers and scholars worldwide, leading to new insights into the workings of the human mind.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Metzinger is widely quoted and remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of philosophy of mind. His ability to synthesize complex ideas from multiple disciplines has made him a respected voice in both academic and non-academic circles. His work challenges traditional notions of self-awareness and consciousness, offering new perspectives on what it means to be human.

In conclusion, Thomas Metzinger is a pioneering figure in the field of philosophy of mind, whose groundbreaking research continues to inspire and shape our understanding of conscious experience and self-awareness.

Quotes by Thomas Metzinger

The notion of a conscious model of oneself as an individual entity actively trying to establish epistemic relations to the world and to oneself, I think, comes very close to what we traditionally mean by notions like “subjectivity”.
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The notion of a conscious model of oneself as an individual entity actively trying to establish epistemic relations to the world and to oneself, I think, comes very close to what we traditionally mean by notions like “subjectivity”.
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The main function of consciousness is to maximize flexibility and context sensitivity.
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The main function of consciousness is to maximize flexibility and context sensitivity.
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Speaking as a phenomenologist, it seems to me that a considerable portion of mind wandering actually is “mental avoidance behaviour”, an attempt to cope with adverse internal stimuli or to protect oneself from a deeper processing of information that threatens self-esteem.
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Speaking as a phenomenologist, it seems to me that a considerable portion of mind wandering actually is “mental avoidance behaviour”, an attempt to cope with adverse internal stimuli or to protect oneself from a deeper processing of information that threatens self-esteem.
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The most beautiful idea, perhaps, is that freedom and determinism can peacefully coexist: If our brains are causally determined in the right way, if they make us causally sensitive to moral considerations and rational arguments, then this very fact makes us free. Determinism and free will are compatible.
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The most beautiful idea, perhaps, is that freedom and determinism can peacefully coexist: If our brains are causally determined in the right way, if they make us causally sensitive to moral considerations and rational arguments, then this very fact makes us free. Determinism and free will are compatible.
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Thinking isn’t something you do. Most of the time, it’s something that happens to you.
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Thinking isn’t something you do. Most of the time, it’s something that happens to you.
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A lot of evidence shows that most of our cognitive processing is unconscious – phenomenal experience is just a very small slice or partition of a much larger space in which mental processing takes place.
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A lot of evidence shows that most of our cognitive processing is unconscious – phenomenal experience is just a very small slice or partition of a much larger space in which mental processing takes place.
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But it is also becoming evident that psychological evolution never optimized us for lasting happiness; on the contrary, it placed us on the hedonic treadmill. We are driven to seek pleasure and joy, to avoid pain and depression. The hedonic treadmill is the motor that nature invented to keep the organism running.
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But it is also becoming evident that psychological evolution never optimized us for lasting happiness; on the contrary, it placed us on the hedonic treadmill. We are driven to seek pleasure and joy, to avoid pain and depression. The hedonic treadmill is the motor that nature invented to keep the organism running.
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Only as long as we believe in our own identity over time does it make sense for us to make future plans, avoid risks, and treat our fellow human beings fairly – for the consequences of our actions will, in the end, always concern ourselves.
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Only as long as we believe in our own identity over time does it make sense for us to make future plans, avoid risks, and treat our fellow human beings fairly – for the consequences of our actions will, in the end, always concern ourselves.
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Scientists who believe that their discipline will progressively eliminate all philosophical problems are simply fooling themselves. What science can contribute to is the elimination of false philosophical problems.
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Scientists who believe that their discipline will progressively eliminate all philosophical problems are simply fooling themselves. What science can contribute to is the elimination of false philosophical problems.
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Converging empirical data show that when we observe other human beings expressing emotions, we simulate them with the help of the same neural networks that are active when we feel or express these emotions ourselves.
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Converging empirical data show that when we observe other human beings expressing emotions, we simulate them with the help of the same neural networks that are active when we feel or express these emotions ourselves.
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