How many minds do you have? (with Kaj Sotala)

<p>What are the advantages of viewing the mind through the multi-agent model as opposed to (say) the rational / optimizing agent model? What is the &quot;global workspace&quot; theory of consciousness? What's going on during concentration meditation according to the global workspace theory? If our brains are composed of multiple sub-agents, then what does it mean when I say, &quot;<em>I</em> believe such-and-such&quot;? Are beliefs context-dependent (i.e., you believe P in one context and not-P in a different context)? What effects do the various therapeutic modalities and meditation practices have on our beliefs? What are the advantages of transformational therapy over other approaches?</p> <p>Kaj Sotala is interested in finding ways that would allow everyone to reach their fullest potential with regard to agency, inner harmony, and well-being. He believes that the upper limits on these are somewhere very high indeed. Kaj has worked as an emotion coach, software developer, and <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&amp;hl=en&amp;hl=en&amp;user=XR6sMK8AAAAJ">researcher</a> focusing on the long-term consequences of advanced artificial intelligence. One of his last research projects was the <a href="https://www.lesswrong.com/s/ZbmRyDN8TCpBTZSip">Multiagent Models of Mind</a> article series, combining perspectives from a variety of fields ranging from psychotherapy to AI and neuroscience, for better understanding how the mind works. His website is <a href="http://kajsotala.fi/">kajsotala.fi</a>, and he also posts <a href="https://www.lesswrong.com/users/kaj_sotala">articles on lesswrong.com</a>. You can also follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/Xuenay">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://facebook.com/Xuenay">Facebook</a> or email him at <a href="mailto:kaj.sotala@gmail.com">kaj.sotala@gmail.com</a>.</p>