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Robinson's Podcast
226 - David Builes: The Metaphysics of Time and Consciousness
Sep 22, 2024
David Builes, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University specializing in metaphysics, dives deep into the nature of time and consciousness. He debates the reality of the past, present, and future, defending presentism while unraveling the complexities of causation and time travel. David also tackles whether science can adequately explain consciousness, discussing the intriguing concepts of panpsychism and idealism. Finally, he explores the philosophical implications surrounding the existence of numbers and mathematical truths.
01:10:01
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Quick takeaways
- The discussion on time emphasizes the philosophical distinction between A-theory and B-theory, shaping understandings of temporal existence.
- The exploration of consciousness reveals challenges in aligning scientific explanations with the subjective experience that remains largely mysterious.
Deep dives
The Nature of Time Travel
Time travel is explored through a hypothetical scenario involving a time machine and the implications it has on identity. The discussion suggests that genuine time travel requires a continuity of identity, where the person who steps out of the time machine must be the same as the one who stepped in. This distinguishes true time travel from situations where a copy or clone emerges, highlighting the necessity of a causal connection for authenticity. The implications stretch into philosophical inquiries about identity and causation, particularly in the context of metaphysics.
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