Mirror Neurons, Consciousness, and an Irreducible Self

Mirror Neurons, Consciousness, and an Irreducible Self

From Intelligent Design the Future by Discovery Institute

April 18, 2026 · 1h 31m · Episode 2201

About this episode

Dr. Robert J. Marks interviews Dr. Mihretu Guta about mirror neurons and their implications for consciousness and empathy.

On this episode, Mind Matters News host Dr. Robert J. Marks welcomes Dr. Mihretu Guta to discuss one of his chapters in the volume Minding the Brain titled “Mirror Neurons, Consciousness, and the Bearer Question.” Dr. Guta discusses the concept of “mirror neurons” – a type of brain cell that fires when a person observes an action being performed, as well as when the person performs the same action themselves. The properties of these neurons suggest they may play a role in empathy and understanding others’ actions. Dr. Guta explores the implications of mirror neurons to the mind-brain debate and how further study could illuminate these fascinating neural components. Source

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Robert J. Marks

Guest: Dr. Mihretu Guta

Topics covered

  • mirror neurons
  • consciousness
  • empathy
  • mind-brain debate
  • neuroscience

Keywords

  • mirror neurons
  • consciousness
  • empathy
  • neuroscience
  • mind-brain debate

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Minding the Brain, Mirror Neurons, Consciousness, and the Bearer Question

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