The Evolution of Explanatory Knowledge and the Limitless Reach of Human Potential

3min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Comments

Transcript

Episode notes

Mind evolution led to the creation of explanatory knowledge, giving humans the potential for unlimited reach. Humans have the ability to embark on a journey with no limits, except for the laws of physics. This view is profoundly inspiring and suggests that humans can be part of any dream. While humans developed this ability a hundred thousand years ago, they did not fully utilize it until now. Similarly, the universe had a period of boredom for about 13 billion years, until creativity sparked a phase change. This phase change has transformed the nature of the cosmos, where small things now affect large things and information is a determining factor.

Podcast: The TED Interview
Episode: David Deutsch on the infinite reach of knowledge
Release date: 2018-10-23

It can be easy to believe that humans are insignificant. We’re specks of dust on a random planet in a vast universe. Less powerful than elephants. Fewer than ants. But David Deutsch believes that’s all beside the point, because humans possess one unique skill: attaining knowledge. David Deutsch – Oxford professor, father of quantum computing, recluse – convinced Chris years ago to take over leadership of TED with his ideas about knowledge. In this mind-bending conversation, the two dive into his theory that the potential reach of knowledge is infinite. They explore how knowledge first developed, why it sets us apart and what all of these heady concepts really mean for our present and future. To find out more about TED, please visit TED.com.

Find the transcript at: go.ted.com/interviewdeutsch