James Cooke, PhD - Neuroscience, Consciousness & Nonduality
Dr. James Cooke, neuroscientist, talks about the nondual nature of consciousness on The FitMind Podcast episode 78.
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Episode 78
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Episode Overview
Dr. James Cooke is a neuroscientist, writer and speaker, focused on consciousness, meditation, psychedelic states, and science.
His work explores the relationship between science and spirituality and aims to reconcile the two seemingly separate worldviews.
In this episode, we dive into the concept of nonduality, why our brains construct an ego, the nature of consciousness, psychedelic states and much more.
Hope you enjoy!
P.S. — If you’re serious about starting or deepening your meditation practice, check out the FitMind meditation app.
James Cooke, PhD Bio
Dr. Cooke studied Experimental Psychology and completed his PhD in Neuroscience at Oxford University. He holds research positions at University College London and Trinity College Dublin where he investigates how the brain creates our experience of the world.
Show Notes
0:00 | Introduction to Dr. James Cooke
4:28 | Nondual Nature of Consciousness
6:18 | Video Game Analogy for Consciousness
7:40 | Present Moment Awareness
8:45 | Why Brains Construct Egos
12:50 | Thermodynamics of Life
14:00 | Humans are Wired for Survival
21:20 | Brain as Secondary to Life Process
23:45 | Science is the Map Not the Territory
25:45 | Explaining Nonduality
28:30 | Bringing Nonduality into Everyday Life
32:20 | How Psychedelics Work the Brain
36:20 | Default Mode Network Explained
40:20 | How Psychedelics Might be Used in the Future
42:20 | Using Science to Set a Course for Human Evolution
44:16 | Science and Spiritual Skepticism
47:20 | Rapid Fire Questions
48:30 | Where Consciousness Comes into Existence
50:30 | Thomas Nagel - What Does It Feel Like to Be a Bat
52:50 | Where to Find Dr. James Cooke’s Work