Bernardo Kastrup VS Brian Keating: Psychedelics, Cosmology and Our Mind
Jan 20, 2024
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Cosmologist Brian Keating and idealist philosopher Bernardo Kastrup discuss the mind-body problem, cosmology, and psychedelics. They explore the connection between philosophy and physics, AI consciousness, the transformative effects of psychedelics, and the fine tuning of life and consciousness in the universe. They also touch on topics like the interpretation of a biblical passage, the many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, and the impact of empathy.
Idealism is a lens to interpret nature's behavior and sinus; Brian and Bernardo seek to falsify other hypotheses.
Physics informs philosophy more than philosophy informs physics; cosmology presents unique experimental challenges.
Experimental cosmology integrates biology, chemistry, and engineering and optimizes instruments to study the universe.
Empathy can be overwhelming but actively managing it allows one to stay connected to the world without losing functionality.
Deep dives
Idealism and the Interpretation of Nature
Idealism is a lens through which to interpret nature's behavior and sinus.
The Importance of Falsification in Science
Rather than proving anything, the goal is to falsify other hypotheses.
The Intersection of Philosophy, Physics, and Cosmology
Philosophy and physics overlap, with physics informing philosophy more than the other way around.
The Challenges of Experimentation in Cosmology
Cosmology poses unique experimental challenges due to the difficulty of controlling variables and lack of control.
Astrophysics, Experimental Cosmology, and the Simon's Observatory
Brian, an experimental cosmologist, discusses the field of astrophysics and its application to understanding the universe. He highlights the interdisciplinary nature of astrophysics, incorporating biology, chemistry, and engineering. Brian emphasizes the importance of experimental cosmology, where constraints and technology play a vital role in optimizing instruments and studying cosmological phenomena. He mentions the Simon's Observatory, an upcoming project focused on studying the cosmic microwave background radiation to unravel the beginning and potential end of the universe.
Bernardo and Empathy: Dealing with Sensitivity
Bernardo reflects on his own sensitivity and empathy, which has grown over the years due to his philosophical and idealistic thinking. He discusses how empathy can be challenging to manage at times, as it can be overwhelming and may lead to a sense of helplessness. Bernardo explains that he tries to strike a balance between staying informed about world events and not letting empathy consume him. He emphasizes the importance of managing empathy actively, describing it as a practice that allows him to remain connected to the world without losing his functionality.
The Importance of Empirical Evidence in Science and Philosophy
During the conversation with Brian, the importance of empirical evidence in science and the delineation between science and philosophy is emphasized. It is underscored that scientific theories need to be grounded in empirical observations, with predictions that can be tested and confirmed. On the other hand, philosophy focuses on rigorous thinking, conceptual parsimony, explanatory power, and overall coherency. The distinction highlights the need for different methodologies and criteria in science and philosophy, ensuring that theories are accurately evaluated based on the appropriate criteria of each field.
Brian Keating is a cosmologist, author, and host of the "Into the Impossible" Podcast. He is well known for his books "Losing the Noble Prize" and "Into the Impossible".
Bernardo Kastrup is an idealist philosopher and the executive director of Essentia Foundation. His work has been leading the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, the notion that reality is essentially mental. In this episode, we discuss the common areas and differences between their fields, such as the mind-body problem, cosmology, and the use of psychedelics.
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