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Robinson's Podcast

58 - Huw Price: Philosophy of Time, Boltzmann Brains, and Retrocausality

Mar 4, 2023
Huw Price, former Bertrand Russell Professor and esteemed philosopher, dives deep into the philosophy of time. He explores the A- and B-Series of time, intertwining past, present, and future. The discussion on Boltzmann Brains raises fascinating questions about reality and consciousness. Price also examines the flow of time and its connection to thermodynamics, while challenging traditional causation through the lens of retrocausality in quantum mechanics. His insights bridge philosophy and science, inviting us to rethink our understanding of existence.
01:02:29

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the contrasting perspectives of A-series and B-series time, emphasizing the complexities of causality and presentism's challenges.
  • Huw Price discusses the philosophical implications of Boltzmann brains, raising existential questions about reality and the nature of consciousness.

Deep dives

Exploration of Philosophy of Time

The episode delves into the philosophy of time, highlighting key concepts such as the flow of time and the arrow of time. The discussion contrasts different perspectives on time, particularly the A-series and B-series views, with the A-series relating to a dynamic experience of time where the present moment holds special significance. The conversation emphasizes the intricate relationship between time and causality, examining the idea of presentism and its potential incoherence when combined with a dynamic perspective. The complexities surrounding these philosophical viewpoints raise important questions about how we perceive time and its direction.

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