Philip Goff: Arguing for Cosmopsychism

Dr Philip Goff (University of Liverpool) speaks at the event “Metaphysics of Mind“, 19th August 2014. Abstract: Cosmopsychism is the conjunction of the following two theses: (i) the cosmos is the one fundamental object, (ii) the cosmos if conscious. I will try out the following argument for this view: Premise 1 – Each and every organic conscious state is irreducible. Premise 2 – No organic conscious state is fundamental. Premise 3 – The only way in which a state can be both irreducible and fundamental is if it is an aspect of a more fundamental state. Conclusion 1 – Therefore each and every organic conscious state is an aspect of a more fundamental state. Premise 4 – If each and every organic conscious state is an aspect of a more fundamental state, then cosmopsychism is highly likely to be true. Conclusion 2 – Therefore, cosmopsychism is highly likely to be true.