Philip Goff Keynote Speaker

Leading philosopher of consciousness and panpsychism advocate
Professor of Philosophy at Durham University
Author of award-winning Why? The Purpose of the Universe

Philip Goff's Biography

Philip Goff is an influential philosopher of consciousness. He is best known for defending panpsychism, the view that consciousness is a fundamental property of the universe. Once ridiculed, panpsychism is now taken seriously in both science and philosophy, and Goff has been the leading figure in that resurgence.

Goff is Professor of Philosophy at Durham University, the third oldest university in England: the Oxbridge of the North. As well as authoring many highly cited academic papers, Goff writes books for a general audience, and has published in The Guardian, Scientific American and the Wall Street Journal. Goff’s interactions with leading scientists, such as Sean Carroll and Anil Seth, have influenced the public discussion on consciousness and the relationship between science and philosophy. He has also influenced cultural figures – Philip Pullman credits Goff with being a significant influence on the ideas in the final novel of the His Dark Materials series. In addition to appearing on flagship BBC shows, such as The Today Programme and In Our Time, Goff has appeared on the world’s biggest podcasts, e.g. Lex Fridman and Joe Rogan Experience.

Goff has also written on the connection between science and spirituality, exploring liberal and scientifically credible ways of engaging spiritual issues. His book Why? The Purpose of the Universe, which explored whether panpsychism offers a middle-way between God and atheism, won the 2024 International Society for Science and Religion book prize. He is currently working on a book called Heresy, which explores the mystical traditions of all the great faiths, and proposes thinking of religion as social technology rather than a set of doctrines.

The Mystery of Consciousness

Why is consciousness so hard to explain? Will science ever explain consciousness?

Is consciousness everywhere?

Over time, we’ve attributed consciousness to simpler and simpler forms of life. How far could this go? Could consciousness be a fundamental property of matter?

Science and Spirituality

How can we engage with spirituality in a scientifically credible way? Is there a core mystical experience at the base of all religions?

How will we know when AI is conscious? Can something have true understanding without consciousness?

He is one of the world’s leading philosophers of consciousness, offering fresh perspectives on the nature of mind, reality and the limits of scientific explanation.
He explains complex ideas about consciousness, artificial intelligence and the universe in clear, engaging ways that resonate with diverse audiences.
He draws on cutting edge debates between philosophy and science to explore how emerging ideas are reshaping our understanding of reality.
He offers thought provoking insights on the relationship between science, spirituality and the search for meaning.
He challenges audiences to rethink fundamental assumptions about consciousness, intelligence and humanity’s place in the universe.