Living Mirrors with Dr. James Cooke Bobby Azarian on the evolution of cosmic complexity | Living Mirrors #111
May 5, 2023
Bobby Azarian, a science journalist and cognitive neuroscientist, discusses the evolution of cosmic complexity and consciousness. They explore the hierarchical structure of the universe and how it becomes conscious. They also discuss the role of information in evolution, emergent order challenging the second law of thermodynamics, life's potential for infinite persistence, cooperation and hierarchy in evolution, and the inevitable increase in complexity. They touch on the naturalizing of the Western religious tradition, intelligence, consciousness, and pain, the evolution of consciousness, and the mind-altering effects of DMT. They conclude with a discussion on resources, cosmic purpose, and merging science with spirituality.
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Universe As A Self‑Organizing System
- The universe is a self-organizing system that builds nested complexity from particles to societies.
- Life and consciousness are emergent computational processes that let the universe experience itself.
Evolution As Learning And Information
- Evolution is a learning process that accumulates predictive information about environments.
- Thermodynamics, information theory and evolution unify to explain why complexity increases.
Biosphere Forms A Brain‑Like Network
- The biosphere functions like a brain-like network as life spreads and incorporates inanimate matter.
- That integrated network forms the scaffolding for a possible emerging 'cosmic brain'.