In this episode, developmental biologist Michael Levin and cognitive scientist Anna Ciaunica examine how cellular intelligence challenges our traditional understanding of consciousness. They explore how memory, embodiment, and our interactions with others fundamentally shape the self.
A huge thank you to Dina Rudick, a four-time Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker / journalist, who expertly aided this production at the last minute. You can find more about her work at https://www.anthemmultimedia.com. Definitely check out her films.
As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe
Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com
Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/SpotifyTOE
Links Mentioned:
Michael Levin’s website: https://drmichaellevin.org/
Anna Ciaunica’s website: https://annaciaunica.fr/
Curt’s previous talk with Michael: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8iFtaltX-s&t=3924s&ab_channel=CurtJaimungal
Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening
01:42 – The Biggest Myths in Biology and Neuroscience
03:18 – Anna’s Take on How Self Emerges from “Bunches of Cells”
04:10 – Critique of Adult-Centric Perspectives
05:15 – Dropping Old Conceptual “Epicycles”
07:45 – Continuity from Single Cells to Human Minds
09:28 – On Memory, Metaphors, and Shifting Perspectives
10:46 – Bridging Disciplinary Silos & The Power of Interdisciplinarity
13:04 – Development, Evolution, and Goal-Directed Systems
17:05 – Expanding the Concept of “Goal-Seeking” in Biology
25:12 – Depression, Body States, and Self-Regulation
31:57 – Aging, Goals, and the Problem of “Having Nothing Left to Do”
41:10 – Pregnancy, Immune Systems, and “Sharing a Self”
51:08 – “Interconnectedness” as Fundamental to Selfhood
57:56 – The Story We Tell Ourselves vs. The Agency of Thoughts
1:07:00 – Rewriting “You”: Caterpillars, Butterflies, and Memory
1:16:15 – Final Thoughts: The Self as an Ongoing, Embodied Process
1:24:01 – Closing Remarks and Where to Find More
Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt
Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs
#science #biology #research #scientist #consciousness