Jim Holt | Metaphysics, the Philosophy of Science, and Why the World Exists

Apr 23, 2018

In this engaging discussion, philosopher and author Jim Holt dives into existential questions like, "Why does the world exist?" and the nature of infinity. He explores the role of metaphysics in addressing issues outside the realm of empirical science. Holt argues that the human instinct to question our existence drives us toward these profound inquiries. He also reflects on how our understanding of time and reality can be influenced by philosophical perspectives, making the quest for knowledge both a personal and collective journey.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Race, Genetics, and Intelligence: A Controversial Examination

02:40 • 3min

The Intersection of Race, Health, and Writing Style

06:01 • 2min

Philosophical Explorations in Modern Contexts

07:39 • 25min

Exploring Science and Faith Through Film

33:01 • 2min

Mathematics, Cosmology, and the Quest for Truth

34:37 • 12min

Reality Unraveled: The Science and Philosophy of Existence

46:13 • 17min

In Episode 41 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with Jim Holt about the philosophy of science, ethics, and metaphysics.

Jim Holt is on a quest to understand the fundamental nature and meaning of our universe. What is infinity? Is time real? Why does the world exist? These are the most important questions that humanity has ever pondered. When attempting to answer such large, existential questions, it’s not enough to use observational evidence alone. This is where metaphysics comes in.

Unlike the hard-nosed, falsifiable propositions that form the foundation of empirical science, metaphysics poses questions for which definitive answers are hard to come by. Aristotle famously heralded the field as “the first philosophy,” since it explores those questions which are generally accepted as being the most basic and vital.

In short, this branch of philosophy seeks to explain the nature of being, reality, and the meaning of existence. Since metaphysics is not based on falsifiable propositions, it is is not bounded by the constraints of formal logic or scientific truth. As a result, finding conclusive answers to the perennial questions that it poses may well be impossible.

Still, something about these questions jabs at us. Why? Perhaps it is in our nature to question everything, even those things for which answers do not exist. Or perhaps the act of engaging in ontological arguments is itself the goal. In either case, in our answer-based culture, exploring the philosophy of science and metaphysics is a necessarily humbling experience. It forces us to contend with the mystery of our own existence, and it presses the limits of our explanatory powers.

In his latest book, “When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought,” Jim Holt explores the nature of logic and truth. And in this episode, he joins host Demetri Kofinas for an hour-long conversation on the philosophy of science and metaphysics. Over the course of the discussion, we explore the questions that have concerned philosophers for more than two thousand years — questions that remain unanswered.

Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas

Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou

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