Flow, Episode 2 – Conscious

The conditions of consciousness and self-identity are the subject of Part 2 in our series on the book of Flow. While consciousness is an enduring mystery to neuroscientists, there are certain patterns of decision-making, free will (or lack thereof), and core beliefs which can be understood to some extent. These mental states are in constant conflict with the outside world and allowing the horrors of life to control psychic energy does not make for a happy bunny! So this week James slips into provocateur mode to talk about social class and bullying as a life-long exterior obstacle to inner harmony. The book takes as a given that people have certain intent to do things, which is to some extent an argument against free will, but it doesn't look at the reasons behind intent from the point of view of psychoanalysis. Therefore we have put more emphasis on core beliefs, and if you haven't heard our specific episode on core beliefs from last season, it's available from wherever you found this one. We also address the whimsical-sounding 'psychic energy' term to pack in a bit of extra scientific fudge. And throughout this episode we are both in the staring presence of a stuffed fox in the London Private Practice.Additional (optional) reading: 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' by Daniel Kahneman is published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.