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Greg Epstein on Technology, Morality, and Non-Religion

Greg Epstein—Humanist chaplain at MIT and Harvard University—explores how technology has evolved into a dominant cultural force, often resembling a religion in its influence. He discusses the book’s central thesis, delves into atheism and agnosticism, and examines the ethical implications of our tech-driven society. Greg M. Epstein is a leading humanist chaplain, author, and speaker…

Or Graur on the Big Bang and the Physics of Galaxies

Astrophysicist Or Graur offers a brief and fascinating overview of the history, physics, and astrophysical uses of galaxies. Starting with the history of the last two thousand years of galaxy studies, Graur discusses the types of galaxies we observe and the physics that drive them; the myths and physical structure of the Milky Way; how…

Ned Block on Perception, Cognition, and Consciousness

Distinguished Philosopher Ned Block discusses perception, cognition, and consciousness as well as his latest book, The Border Between Seeing and Thinking, a model for bringing philosophy and the mind sciences into dialogue. Ned Block is an American philosopher working in philosophy of mind who has made important contributions to the understanding of consciousness and the…

Sean Carroll on Physics, the Multiverse, and Quantum Mechanics

Why is matter solid? Why is there antimatter? Where do the sizes of atoms come from? Theoretical physicist and philosopher Sean Carroll cuts to the bare mathematical essence of our most profound theories, explaining every step in his new book, Quanta and Fields: The Biggest Ideas in the Universe. In this interview, Carroll uses the…

Anna Abraham on the Neuroscience of the Creative Brain

Is there any truth to the idea that creativity originates from the right side of the brain? What is the link between mental illness and creativity? What role can psychedelics play in boosting creativity Professor Anna Abraham tackles these questions and more in her book, “The Creative Brain: Myths and Truths”. In this interview, Abraham…

Nick Bostrom on Superintelligence and the Future of AI

Philosopher Nick Bostrom discusses his new book, Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World, where he asks: In the face of incredible technological advances, what is the point of human existence? Will AI make our life and labor obsolete? In a “solved world,” where would we find meaning and purpose? Nick Bostrom is…

Paul Thagard on AI, Animal Consciousness, and Human Intelligence

How do animals and smart machines measure up to human intelligence? Can fish feel pain and do dogs get jealous? Paul Thagard—a philosopher and cognitive scientist—explores hotly debated issues about animal and artificial intelligence to conclude that current bots and beasts fall far short of human capabilities. Thagard’s book, Bots and Beasts: What Makes Machines,…

Carlo Rovelli on White Holes

Helen De Cruz on What Makes Life Worth Living

Philosopher Helen De Cruz discusses her new book, Wonderstruck: How Wonder and Awe Shape the Way We Think. De Cruz explores the transformative role of wonder and awe in an uncertain world and reveals how they are catalysts that can help us reclaim what makes life worth living and preserve the things we find wonderful…

Marcelo Gleiser on Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience

Theoretical physicist and astronomer Marcelo Glesier offers compelling argument for including the human perspective within science, and for how human experience makes science possible. He discusses his new book, The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience, which urges us to create a new scientific culture that views ourselves both as an expression of…

Philip Goff on the Purpose of the Universe

Why are we here? What’s the point of existence? Philosopher and consciousness researcher Philip Goff tackles these questions and more in this discussion of his new book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe. Goff argues that it’s time to move on from both God and atheism and instead look to cosmic purpose to understand the…

Will Kinney on Cosmic Inflation and the Beginning of the Universe

Cosmologist and physics professor Will Kinney discusses his book, An Infinity of Worlds: Cosmic Inflation and the Beginning of the Universe. Kinney considers what happened before the primordial fire of the Big Bang. What is the origin of structure in the cosmos? Can we come to terms with the possibility that our entire observable universe…