#147 What is PURE Consciousness? - Thomas Metzinger
#147 What is PURE Consciousness? - Thomas Metzinger  
Podcast: Within Reason
Published On: Wed Mar 18 2026
Description: 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 ReportsTIMESTAMPS0:00 - The Minimal Phenomenal Experience Project11:34 - Is MPE New Age Meditation?17:07 - Collecting Reports of Pure Consciousness25:48 - Lucid Deep Sleep - Thomas’ Experience32:19 - Does Consciousness Require Complexity?39:29 - The Power of Meditation45:32 - Is Meditation Always a Positive Experience?53:13 - Is a MPE Actually an Experience?01:11:21 - Your Brain is Not Telling You the Truth01:20:08 - Analysing Minimal Conscious Experiences01:27:26 - Is Meditative Enlightenment Unethical?01:32:37 - Western Ignorance of Eastern Tradition01:40:13 - “Coming Home”01:44:29 - The Political Implications of MPE01:52:40 - Should Ketamine Be Legalised?