Within Reason

Philip Goff, a British philosopher at Durham University, delves into his unexpected journey to a heretical form of Christianity. He explores how panpsychism shaped his belief in a conscious universe and grapples with the limitations of divine power to explain human suffering. Goff discusses the unique role of Jesus, reframing his significance beyond traditional doctrine, and touches on Eastern mystical interpretations. His conversation highlights a commitment to faith amidst uncertainty, advocating for an inclusive perspective on spirituality.

Will MacAskill, a Scottish philosopher and founder of the effective altruism movement, dives deep into the looming challenges of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He discusses the potential for AGI-related doomsday scenarios, highlighting risks like loss of control and the possibility of AI-driven government coups. Will emphasizes that alignment isn’t enough and proposes urgent measures, such as tracking compute resources, to ensure safety. He also critiques the economic incentives favoring rapid AI development, cautioning that society's slow response could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Bernardo Kastrup, a philosopher and computer scientist known for his work on consciousness and analytic idealism, dives deep into the limitations of materialism. He argues that physical objects are merely reflections of mental states and critiques materialism's inability to adequately explain consciousness. The conversation explores the distinction between qualities and quantities, the nature of the self, and how consciousness exists independently of sensory perception. Kastrup also challenges panpsychism and emphasizes our experiences as integrated complexes rather than isolated entities.

Bear Grylls, a British adventurer and author, recounts his inspiration behind his book, The Greatest Story Ever Told, which retells Jesus' life from five unique perspectives. He discusses the challenge of transforming sparse gospel accounts into vivid narratives while preserving Jesus' words. The conversation dives into the coexistence of faith and doubt, the significance of various viewpoints, and the authenticity signals in the gospels. Bear also entertains thoughts on traveling back in time to witness pivotal moments from Jesus' life.

Andrew Mark Henry, a scholar of early Christianity and creator of the YouTube channel Religion for Breakfast, dives deep into the intriguing question of whether Jesus was an ancient magician. He explores the concept of ancient 'magic' versus modern interpretations, examines Celsus's critiques of Jesus's miracles, and discusses the implications of Jesus's portrayal in early Christian art. With insights into the role of charisma in exorcism and the production of magical texts, the conversation unveils the fascinating intersections of ritual, authority, and religious practice.

Emily Qureshi-Hurst, a Philosopher of Religion and Science at the University of Cambridge, delves into the intriguing intersection of physics and theology. She discusses whether the Bible predicts the Big Bang and the origins of biblical literalism. Emily explores how an atemporal God perceives time and the implications for free will. She challenges the coherence of biblical literalism and critiques the evolution versus design debate, all while sharing her personal journey as an atheist questioning deep theological issues.

Ben Thomas, known as Sisyphus55, is a YouTuber and author specializing in philosophy and existentialism. In this engaging discussion, he dives into the essence of existential crises, intertwining pain and alienation with personal growth. He explores the differences between existentialism and absurdism, and presents a compelling case for creating our own meaning. Ben also highlights the significance of eudaimonia, discusses trauma acceptance, and considers the possibility of being a happy nihilist, ultimately advocating for a cross-cultural understanding of philosophies.

Candida Moss, a historian of Christianity and author of The Myth of Persecution, dives into the intriguing question of whether early Christians were truly persecuted by Rome. She explores the complexities of martyrdom, revealing how the concept predates Christianity and how definitions vary. Moss challenges the traditional narrative of the Neronian persecution and examines how local prosecutions differed from systematic targeting. Ultimately, she argues that tales of martyrdom are often embellished, shaping Christian memory and rhetoric over centuries.

Bestselling author Robert Greene joins to explore profound topics such as near-death experiences and the nature of consciousness. He defines the sublime as a break from cultural limits, sharing how his own near-death experience reshaped his views on life and death. Greene dives into the clash between neuroscience and accounts of veridical near-death experiences, revealing a fascinating debate about the mind versus the brain. He also discusses practical ways to achieve sublime experiences without psychedelics, linking them to ancient rituals and modern human desires.

John Cottingham, a renowned English philosopher and Professor Emeritus at the University of Reading, dives deep into the world of René Descartes. The conversation uncovers Descartes' radical skepticism and the famous 'Cogito ergo sum.' Cottingham discusses the intricate relationship between perfection, knowledge, and God, exploring how our understanding of existence informs our beliefs. They also address the duality of mind and body, the historical significance of the pineal gland, and Descartes' controversial views on animal thought, all while reflecting on the enduring impact of his ideas.