Conversations with History: Institute
of International Studies, UC Berkeley
This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations
with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the
public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.
Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry
Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. 
Our guest today
is Christof Koch, who is the Lois and Victor Troendle Professor of Cognitive
and Behavioral Biology at Caltech, and the author most recently of The
Quest for Consciousness. He is on the Berkeley campus to give the Foerster
Lecture on the Immortality of the Soul.
- Background ... diplomat parents ... citizen of the world ... close family
ties ... early interest in science ... how biology is different ... patience
and risk
- Neurobiology ... working
with Francis Crick ... a framework for asking the questions ... definition
of consciousness ... the "zombie" brain ...
technological breakthroughs ... neuronal correlate
of consciousness ... analogy to a democracy
- Visual Consciousness ... using MRI techology ... coalitions and competition
in neurons
- More Thoughts on Consciousness ... seeking a measure ... babies, fetuses,
patients in coma ... extending the "magic circle" of respect ... animals
... the illusion of the homunculus ... the "movie" illusion of motion ...
filling in the blind spot ... discoveries from disease and injury
- Cutting-Edge Science ... questioning our ability to know
... convergence of disciplines and technologies ... scientific golden age
... shorter-term benefits, long-term vision ... broadening our compassion
... spiritual questions
- Conclusion ... compassion
... how the public can keep up-to-date ... fundamental life questions
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