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Playlist: Closer to Truth's Portfolio

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Could Our Universe Be a Fake?

From Closer to Truth | Part of the Closer To Truth Radio Hour series | 53:51

The idea that we might encounter aliens seems like the stuff of science fiction, but the possibilities demand serious thought. Could our existence be part of a computer game run by unknown creatures? Could our universe be a fake? Since most scientists feel the universe must contain alien civilizations, why can’t we see any? Where are they, all those aliens?

Icon1_small The idea that we might encounter aliens seems like the stuff of science fiction, but the possibilities demand serious thought.

In part one we ask, could our existence be part of a computer game run by unknown creatures? Could our universe be a fake?

In part two we ask, since most scientists feel the universe must contain alien civilizations, why can’t we see any? Where are they, all those aliens?

Contributors: 
David Brin, Physicist, Science Fiction Author
Nick Bostrom, Philosopher, St. Cross College. Univ. of Oxford
Raymond Kurzweil, Inventor, Computer Scientist, Futurist
Marvin Minsky, Cognitive Scientist, MIT
Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, Cosmologist, Cambridge Univ.
Jill Tarter, Director, Center for SETI Research, SETI Institute
Doug Vakoch, Director, Interstellar Message Composition, SETI
Frank Drake, Director, Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute
Raymond Kurzweil, Inventor, Computer Scientist, Futurist
Francisco J. Ayala, Philosopher, UC, Irvine
Steven J. Dick, Chief Historian, NASA

Is Consciousness an Illusion?

From Closer to Truth | Part of the Closer To Truth Radio Hour series | 53:51

Consciousness is a mystery. What is private, inner experience all about? What is the meaning of consciousness? Is mind only an accident of biology or does it go deeper? Is consciousness part of the physical world? Or could it be an illusion – a mere trick of the brain?

Radio_icon_2_small Consciousness is a mystery. What is private, inner experience all about?

In part one we ask, what is the meaning of consciousness? Is mind only an accident of biology or does it go deeper?

In part two we ask, is consciousness part of the physical world? Or could it be an illusion – a mere trick of the brain?

Contributors:
Ned Block, Philosopher, New York University
Marvin Minsky, Cognitive Scientist, MIT
Alva Noe, Philosopher, UC Berkeley
Jaron Lanier, Computer Scientist and Artist
Colin McGinn, Philosopher
Nicholas Humphrey, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Darwin College, Cambridge
Julian Baggini, Co-founder, Editor, The Philosopher’s Magazine
Rebecca Goldstein, Philosopher and Novelist
Galen Strawson, Philosopher, University of Texas, Austin
Anthony A. C. Grayling, Philosopher, New College of the Humanities
Raymond Tallis, Philosopher, Essayist, Medical doctor

Does The Cosmos Provide Meaning?

From Closer to Truth | Part of the Closer To Truth Radio Hour series | 53:52

The Cosmos is overwhelming. We humans stand between astonishingly large galaxies and the vanishingly small atoms. What does it all mean? What about the cosmos astounds and fascinates us? Why is the universe so breathtaking? With everything we know about the universe, can we find a reason behind it all? Does the Cosmos provide meaning?

Cosmosprovidemeaning_small

The Cosmos is overwhelming. We humans stand between astonishingly large galaxies and the vanishingly small atoms. What does it all mean?

In part one we ask, what about the cosmos astounds and fascinates us? Why is the universe so breathtaking?

In part two we ask, with everything we know about the universe, can we find a reason behind it all? Does the Cosmos provide meaning?

Contributors:
Frank Wilczek, Nobel Laureate in Physics
Steven Weinberg, Nobel Laureate in Physics
David Ritz Finkelstein, Physicist, Georgia Institute of Technology
Seth Lloyd, Mathematician and Engineer, MIT
Freeman Dyson, Physicist, Institute for Advanced Study
Saul Perlmutter, Nobel Laureate in Physics
Roger Penrose, Mathematician, Oxford University
Paul J. Steinhardt, Theoretical Physicist, Princeton
Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, Cosmologist, Cambridge Univ.
Frank Drake, Director, Carl Sagan Center, SETI Institute