Does Consciousness Extend Beyond Brains? The 2023 Holberg Debate, feat. Seth, Luhrmann, Sheldrake.
Jonathan
Jul 17, 2026
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Summary
A Holberg debate on whether consciousness extends beyond the brain brings together neuroscience, anthropology, and parapsychology. Anil Seth argues for embodied, brain-based consciousness; Tanya Luhrmann emphasizes culturally shaped spiritual experiences; Rupert Sheldrake defends extended mind and field-based explanations. The discussion centers on evidence, phenomenology, ethics, AI, and the nature of self and free will.
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