#147 What is PURE Consciousness? - Thomas Metzinger episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 18, 2026 · 2H 3M

#147 What is PURE Consciousness? - Thomas Metzinger

from Within Reason · host Alex J O'Connor

Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code alexoconnor at https://huel.com/alexoconnor (Minimum $50 purchase).For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack: ⁠https://www.alexoconnor.com⁠.Thomas Metzinger is a German philosopher and Professor Emeritus of theoretical philosophy at the University of Mainz. His primary research areas include philosophy of mind, philosophy of neuroscience, and applied ethics, particularly focusing on neurotechnology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.Get The Elephant and the Blind: The Experience of Pure Consciousness: Philosophy, Science, and 500+ Experiential ReportsTIMESTAMPS(0:00) The Minimal Phenomenal Experience Project(11:34) Is MPE New Age Meditation?(17:07) Collecting Reports of Pure Consciousness(25:48) Lucid Deep Sleep - Thomas’ Experience(32:19) Does Consciousness Require Complexity?(39:29) The Power of Meditation(45:32) Is Meditation Always a Positive Experience?(53:13) Is a MPE Actually an Experience?(01:11:21) Your Brain is Not Telling You the Truth(01:20:08) Analysing Minimal Conscious Experiences(01:27:26) Is Meditative Enlightenment Unethical?(01:32:37) Western Ignorance of Eastern Tradition(01:40:13) “Coming Home”(01:44:29) The Political Implications of MPE(01:52:40) Should Ketamine Be Legalised?CONNECTMy Website: ⁠https://www.alexoconnor.com⁠SOCIAL LINKSTwitter: ⁠http://www.twitter.com/cosmicskeptic⁠Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/cosmicskeptic⁠Instagram: ⁠http://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic⁠CONTACTBusiness email: [email protected] enquiries: [email protected]

Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code alexoconnor at https://huel.com/alexoconnor (Minimum $50 purchase).For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack: ⁠https://www.alexoconnor.com⁠.Thomas Metzinger is a German philosopher and Professor Emeritus of theoretical philosophy at the University of Mainz. His primary research areas include philosophy of mind, philosophy of neuroscience, and applied ethics, particularly focusing on neurotechnology, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.Get The Elephant and the Blind: The Experience of Pure Consciousness: Philosophy, Science, and 500+ Experiential ReportsTIMESTAMPS(0:00) The Minimal Phenomenal Experience Project(11:34) Is MPE New Age Meditation?(17:07) Collecting Reports of Pure Consciousness(25:48) Lucid Deep Sleep - Thomas’ Experience(32:19) Does Consciousness Require Complexity?(39:29) The Power of Meditation(45:32) Is Meditation Always a Positive Experience?(53:13) Is a MPE Actually an Experience?(01:11:21) Your Brain is Not Telling You the Truth(01:20:08) Analysing Minimal Conscious Experiences(01:27:26) Is Meditative Enlightenment Unethical?(01:32:37) Western Ignorance of Eastern Tradition(01:40:13) “Coming Home”(01:44:29) The Political Implications of MPE(01:52:40) Should Ketamine Be Legalised?CONNECTMy Website: ⁠https://www.alexoconnor.com⁠SOCIAL LINKSTwitter: ⁠http://www.twitter.com/cosmicskeptic⁠Facebook: ⁠http://www.facebook.com/cosmicskeptic⁠Instagram: ⁠http://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic⁠CONTACTBusiness email: [email protected] enquiries: [email protected]

NOW PLAYING

#147 What is PURE Consciousness? - Thomas Metzinger

0:00 2:03:28

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

I am Consciously Curious Victor Chan I am Consciously Curious is a Chicago based podcast that dissects passionate individuals in various industries. The goal is to share their stories to inspire you to cultivate meaning within your own space. If you are interested in coming on or know someone that would be great for the podcast, please message us on fb/ig: @iamconsciouslycurious Explicit Other Words for Whxre otherwordsforwhxre4 Sex workers chatting with sex workers, join us as we discuss all things sex work and interview sex workers from all different jobs and careers within the community! from politics, current events, to the medias portrayal of sex workers, tips & tricks, wild stories, and so much more! this is OtherwordsforWhore ! Explicit Beauty Boss Banter Natalie Sue Welcome to Beauty Boss Banter, where glam meets grit and business meets beauty! Join me, Natalie Sue, your go-to beauty boss, as we dive into the world of beauty, trends, and entrepreneurship. Get ready for candid conversations with industry experts, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the beauty biz, and empowering stories that will inspire the beauty boss within you. Tune in weekly for your dose of beauty wisdom, entrepreneurial insights, and the secrets to success in the ever-evolving world of beauty. Unleash your inner beauty boss with Beauty Boss Banter - because being fabulous is a full-time job!" 🎙️💄✨ #BeautyBossBanter #GlamMeetsGrit #BusinessAndBeauty" Explicit The Journey Within with Tiffany K Tiffany K "The Journey Within" Podcast, hosted by the passionate Tiffany K, is a powerful podcast series created specifically for women seeking self-discovery, self-love, and personal growth. Tiffany recognized the need for a platform that addresses the unique challenges women face in today's society, where they are often conditioned to feel unworthy or defined by limited roles. This podcast serves as a safe haven for women to explore their true selves and break free from societal constraints. Each carefully crafted episode offers love, healing, and guidance, helping listeners navigate life's challenges and celebrate their unique journeys. Tiffany shares her own ongoing path of self-discovery, creating a relatable and supportive space for women to explore their own potential."The Journey Within" Podcast features insightful conversations with guest speakers, providing diverse perspectives on self-empowerment and personal development. Whether you're struggling with relationships, self-doubt, or Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Within Reason?

This episode is 2 hours and 3 minutes long.

When was this Within Reason episode published?

This episode was published on March 18, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code alexoconnor at https://huel.com/alexoconnor (Minimum $50 purchase).For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack:...

Can I download this Within Reason episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!