Within Reason

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.

Brant Pitre, a distinguished New Testament scholar at the Augustine Institute, dives deep into the complex web of Jesus' claims of divinity. He explores whether Jesus explicitly identified himself as God and the historical context of his actions, emphasizing their theological implications. Pitre examines the concept of blasphemy as it relates to Jesus' identity and the significance of worship associated with him. Listeners will enjoy detailed insights into early Christian beliefs and how they contrasted with traditional Jewish thought.

Jim Al-Khalili, an Iraqi-British theoretical physicist and popular science communicator, dives into the bizarre world of quantum physics. He unveils the paradoxes of quantum mechanics, touching on the double-slit experiment's implications. The discussion explores bird navigation through quantum biology and critiques common misconceptions tying quantum principles to consciousness. Al-Khalili also grapples with the relationship between time, entropy, and reality, raising profound questions about our understanding of the universe.

Joe Folley, a Cambridge philosophy graduate and creator of Unsolicited Advice, dives deep into the world of logic. He compares Aristotelian and Stoic logic, revealing how these foundations impact clarity in reasoning. The discussion also touches on the importance of validity versus soundness in arguments and the intriguing consequences of contradictions. Folley simplifies complex concepts like fuzzy and modal logic, while humorously exploring truth claims—like whether your mum knows about your orientation—making the exploration of logic both enlightening and entertaining.

Dan McClellan, an American biblical scholar and author, delves into the complexities of divine plurality in scripture. He discusses why God uses the plural term 'us' in Genesis, questioning traditional monotheistic interpretations. The conversation explores the historical context of polytheism in the Old Testament, the role of lesser gods, and the significance of translation differences. McClellan also critiques modern understandings of idols and divine authority, challenging listeners to rethink conventional views of God in biblical texts.

Peter Godfrey-Smith is an Australian philosopher of science and a professor at the University of Sydney, known for his insights into the evolution of cognition. He delves into the fascinating world of octopus consciousness, comparing their decentralized brains to human cognition. The discussion challenges ideas about pain perception and animal welfare, specifically considering shrimp and their ethical implications. Godfrey-Smith also explores panpsychism, questioning if everything possesses some form of consciousness, and highlights the complexities of animal experiences.

Niayesh Afshordi, a physics professor at the University of Waterloo, and Phil Halper, a science communicator and space photographer, dive into cosmic origins. They unravel misconceptions about the Big Bang, arguing it’s not the start of time but an evolution from a hot state. The duo discusses cosmic inflation’s role, likening it to a growing cake, and explores intriguing ideas about a multiverse. They also challenge notions of time and infinity, urging listeners to rethink everything about the universe's beginnings and the interplay between science and faith.