Exploring Consciousness and Acting

Anil Seth and Yara Shahidi discuss the intersection of acting and consciousness. They explore how acting influences self-perception and agency, and how consciousness is a complex interplay of body and mind. The conversation touches on AI's role in understanding consciousness and the challenges of projecting human traits onto machines. They also reflect on the evolving nature of self and the impact of acting on personal identity.

What does Anil Seth question about actors' perception of their actions on stage?

• How they remember their cues

• Why they choose certain roles

• Whether they feel a sense of agency

• If they memorize their lines

What challenge did Yara Shahidi face when acting as a child?

• Working with directors

• Memorizing lines

• Embodying a character

• Understanding the script

What is one of the oldest mysteries that Anil Seth discusses?

• The origin of the universe

• The nature of consciousness

• The evolution of species

• The history of human civilization

What concern does Anil Seth express about AI?

• The cost of developing AI technologies

• The ethical implications of AI

• Its ability to replace human jobs

• The tendency to anthropomorphize AI

How does Yara Shahidi describe her experience of seeing herself in advertisements?

• As looking in a mirror

• As a collaborative creation

• As a personal achievement

• As a reflection of her true self

What does Anil Seth suggest about the nature of the self?

• It is a singular, unchanging essence

• It is a collection of different aspects

• It is solely determined by the brain

• It is independent of the body

What does Yara Shahidi find helpful in transitioning out of character?

• Practicing method acting

• Avoiding emotional roles

• Having a full personal life

• Staying in character all the time

What does Anil Seth say about emotions?

• They are independent of the self

• They are always accurate

• They are constructions of the brain

• They are not real

How does Yara Shahidi describe the impact of acting on her understanding of herself?

• It makes her question her choices

• It has no impact on her self-awareness

• It clarifies who she is

• It confuses her sense of identity

What philosophical perspective does Anil Seth find complementary to his work?

• Existentialism

• Buddhism

• Rationalism

• Stoicism