We think being conscious is special. Computers and drones are formidable but they’re not conscious. Maybe so, but can a being or entity think and know things without being conscious? Absolutely. Consciousness isn’t needed for that. Indeed, consciousness isn’t needed for a lot of things, which raises a big question: What is consciousness for?
Monday, November 19, 2018 at 6pm. This event is part of the Philosophy Series at The Cornelia Street Café, located at 29 Cornelia Street, New York, NY 10014 (near Sixth Avenue and West 4th St.). Admission is $10, which includes the price of one drink. Reservations are recommended (212. 989.9319)
Jody Azzouni is a philosopher originally from Brooklyn who also writes short stories. His philosophy books include Semantic Perception, and Ontology Without Borders, among many others. Among his short stories are “We’re Wolves,” and “The Meaning of Life.” You can find more of his fiction and poetry at azzouni.com He teaches at Tufts University.