32. Transhumanism, Emergentism, and Normativity (w/ Raymond de Oliveira)

Raymond de Oliveira joins Brendan to discuss the value in the Universe, whether it emerges from the logic of reality itself or is arbitrarily chosen, whether existence is inherently of value, nihilism and Buddhism, the QRI grand narrative of replicators vs. consciousness, the role of suffering in wisdom, and the "Three Realms" of conscious experience.

0:00 Introduction

1:43 From Is to Ought?

9:17 Is Life a Net Negative? Utilitarianism, Gnosticism, Transhumanism

22:30 Dual-Aspect Monism and Suffering

25:52 Is Consciousness Worth It?

31:00 Teleology and Agency

32:58 Fighting a Meme War against Potential Gods

36:50 Values and Vows

40:03 The Law of Choice

42:36 Is Wisdom Earned by Suffering?

Nihilism and the Truth of Silenus?