Reading Our Times

Human beings need a sense of purpose but differ strongly on whether that purpose is discovered or created, on whether the universe itself has a purpose or whether purpose is just the result of a hyperactive human mind?This disagreement often maps onto the theist/atheist divide - but not always and not necessarily. Perhaps the issue of purpose is wider than belief in God.So does the universe itself show signs of purpose? If so, how would we know? Or is all this simply a delusion of a hominid brain than needs purpose and is happy to create it if it can’t find one out there?Join Nick Spencer as he speaks to Philip Goff, a British author, panpsychist philosopher, and professor at Durham University, to discuss his latest book, Why? The Purpose of the Universe.You can buy a copy of Philip's book here.

What is the ultimate nature of reality? And how best to describe it? Is it fundamentally smooth and continuous, flowing seamlessly from one state to another? Or is it discrete, composed of distinct, separate units that interact across unbridgeable gaps?This ancient philosophical puzzle, which dates back at least as far back as Zeno and his famous paradoxes 2,500 years ago, remains surprisingly urgent and relevant today, shaping debates across physics, evolutionary biology, history, and even our understanding of consciousness itself.In this episode, host Nick Spencer speaks with American philosopher Graham Harman about his provocative new book Waves and Stones: On the Ultimate Nature of Reality. Harman argues that both the continuous and the discrete are irreducible aspects of our world - a position he calls "primal dualism" that challenges the modern impulse to reduce everything to a single, unified explanation.You can buy a copy of his book here.

Consciousness is famously called the “hard problem” and it elicits a very wide range of (sometimes very strongly held) opinions. These range from the idea that it is little more than a trick played on us by our brain, to the idea that it is built into the very fabric of matter at the most fundamental level.How does consciousness differ from mindedness? It is all or nothing, or are there grades of consciousness? And how does it map on our ordinary, everyday lives?This week, Nick Spencer speaks to Baroness Susan Greenfield about her new book: A Day in the Life of the Brain: The Neuroscience of Consciousness from Dawn Till Dusk.You can buy a copy of her book here.

Paul Davies, a Regents Professor of Physics and author of Quantum 2.0, dives deep into the mind-bending world of quantum theory. He explains how classical physics was challenged by quantum mechanics, unraveling topics like wave-particle duality and the enigmatic nature of measurement. Listen in as he discusses the bizarre implications of entanglement and even explores quantum's potential role in biology. As Davies speculates about quantum cosmology, he also ponders what all this means for our understanding of reality.

In this engaging talk, Michael Symmons Roberts, an acclaimed poet and librettist, delves into his book about Olivier Messiaen's profound music. He explores how Messiaen's faith and love of birdsong shaped his wartime compositions. The discussion uncovers how art transcends time, transforming personal grief into universal themes. Michael also reflects on his journey from atheism to embracing Catholic culture, while asserting that music's power lies in its ability to evoke theological meaning and hope beyond despair.

The idea of transcendence is common, perhaps even universal, among human beings. But what it means (if anything) is much more debatable. There are different ways of understanding transcendence, some orthodoxly religious; others more heterodox and surprising.How should we understand transcendence? If you can be spiritual but not religious, can you experience transcendence without religion? What does it mean to live a transcendent life?This week, Nick speaks to Clare Carlisle, Professor of Philosophy at Kings College London, about her latest book 'Transcendence for Beginners'.Purchase a copy of Clare's book here.

Gilbert Markus, a former Dominican friar and expert in Celtic history, delves into profound theological discussions. He challenges perceptions of God, arguing that traditional language misrepresents God's non-thing nature. Markus explores how Genesis reinterprets ancient myths and emphasizes God as the ultimate creator. He reveals the significance of the Exodus and the dangers of idolatry while advocating for love of neighbor as a means to understand the divine. The conversation spans music, language’s limits, and questions of faith, inviting listeners to reconsider the nature of God.

In this enlightening discussion, science writer Philip Ball, author of *How Life Works*, challenges the traditional gene-centric view of life. He argues that the DNA blueprint metaphor is misleading and emphasizes that life functions on multiple levels. Ball explores how cells act as decision-makers with agency, using contextual information to thrive. He also delves into the implications for disease treatment, urging a shift from genetic solutions to more holistic approaches. Lastly, he reflects on the profound mystery of consciousness and the true meaning of purpose in living beings.

In this intriguing discussion, science writer Philip Ball delves into how life is more than just molecular interactions. Philosopher Clare Carlisle explores the mysterious facets of human existence, shedding light on transcendence. Theologian Gilbert Markus critiques both atheist and Christian fundamentalisms, highlighting the ironies within Christian theology. Together, they invite listeners to ponder the deeper questions surrounding life, reality, and human meaning.

Anastasia Berg, co-author of "What Are Children For?" and a researcher on parenthood, dives into the shifting perceptions of fertility in Western societies. She discusses how attitudes toward children have transformed and challenges the notion that children were merely economic security in the past. Anastasia explores why many delay or avoid parenthood, touching on cultural expectations, risk aversion, and climate anxiety. She also contemplates the profound impact of children on human flourishing, advocating for a broader understanding of their societal role.