Closer To Truth

Terry Sejnowski, Francis Crick Chair at The Salk Institute, dives into the complexities of large language models like ChatGPT. He questions whether these models truly understand language or just mimic human intelligence. Discussion ranges from the evolution of AI and the pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI) to the intriguing intersection of neurobiology and AI. Sejnowski also addresses ethical considerations surrounding AI consciousness and its implications for the future, challenging us to rethink what it means to be intelligent.

Jim Holt, a renowned physics writer and philosopher, discusses the essence of scientific breakthroughs. He explores how such breakthroughs challenge conventional wisdom and reshape our understanding of reality. Holt delves into the intersection of quantum mechanics and biology, revealing how quantum phenomena might influence life processes. He also tackles the philosophical implications of consciousness within the quantum realm and critiques the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Prepare for a mind-bending journey!

In this thought-provoking discussion, Zorana Pringle, an expert on emotions and consciousness, teams up with Elisabeth Schellekens, who champions the cognitive aspects of aesthetic experience. They explore the intricate connections between emotions and consciousness, emphasizing how emotions shape our awareness. The conversation dives into the nuances of aesthetic experiences, contrasting objective and subjective interpretations of art. They also discuss creativity's non-linear nature and its deep ties to consciousness, revealing how our emotional landscape influences the creative process.

This engaging discussion features philosopher Andy Clark, a pioneer in the study of the extended mind and embodied cognition. He explores the intriguing concept of the mind extending beyond the brain, influenced by our environment and technology. Clark highlights how tools like smartphones reshape our memories and identities, raising questions about ownership and consciousness. He challenges traditional views on cognition, advocating for a holistic understanding that incorporates our social interactions and external artifacts.

Join physicist Michio Kaku, who blends a background in Buddhism and Christianity with cutting-edge science, as he tackles the mind-boggling concept of a fine-tuned universe. They delve into whether this precisely calibrated cosmos points to a divine creator or if multiverse theories provide a more plausible explanation. Kaku critiques five arguments against fine-tuning as evidence for God and explores the potential for alternate life forms. Tune in for a discussion that intertwines philosophy, science, and the cosmic quest for meaning!

Annaka Harris, New York Times bestselling author of "Conscious" and creator of the "Lights On" audio documentary series, delves deep into the mysteries of consciousness. She discusses its potential as a fundamental aspect of the universe and challenges traditional views in physics. Topics include the relationship between consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the illusion of self. Harris invites listeners to question identity, explore ethical concerns surrounding consciousness, and consider the implications of consciousness in both a scientific and philosophical context.

Donate to Closer To Truth and help us keep our content free and without paywalls.   Free will seems the simplest of notions. Why then is free will so vexing to philosophers? Here's why: no one knows how free will works! Science, seemingly, permits no "gaps" in which free will can operate.   This episode features interviews with John Searle, Rodolfo Llinas, Eran Zaidel, Roger Walsh, Mike Merzenich, Henry Stapp, Colin McGinn, and Christof Koch.

Help Closer To Truth continue exploring the world's biggest questions with a donation of any amount.   Astrophysicist and science visionary Janna Levin discusses all things cosmology: black holes, gravitational waves, the James Webb Space Telescope discoveries, early galaxies, and more.   Janna J. Levin is a theoretical cosmologist and a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College. She researches black holes, the cosmology of extra dimensions, and gravitational waves in the shape of spacetime. In addition she is the director of sciences at Pioneer Works. Her books include Black Hole Survival Guide, Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, and How the Universe Got Its Spots.

The podcast dives into the mysteries of the universe, exploring its vastness and humanity's role within it. It discusses groundbreaking concepts like dark matter, cosmic inflation, and the intriguing possibility of multiple universes. The episode emphasizes awe in the cosmos through stunning imagery and the shared human experience of exploration. Philosophical inquiries about the universe's purpose and life’s origins are examined, alongside the implications of universal constants for existence itself, sparking reflections about extraterrestrial intelligence.

Two notable Closer To Truth contributors—and two good friends—discuss their intellectual and spiritual journeys in what seems to be opposite directions: one toward a form of Christianity and the other away from it.   Philip Goff is a British author, idealist philosopher, and professor at Durham University whose research focuses on philosophy of mind and consciousness. Specifically, it focuses on how consciousness can be part of the scientific worldview. He is the author most recently of the book Why? The Purpose of the Universe.     Helen De Cruz is a Belgian philosopher and Danforth Chair of Philosophy at Saint Louis University who specializes in philosophy of religion, experimental philosophy, and philosophy of cognitive science. She is also an activist supporting the rights of EU citizens in the context of Brexit. Her most recent book is Wonderstruck: How Wonder and Awe Shape the Way We Think.