Closer To Truth

Chris French, Emeritus Professor at Goldsmiths, dives into the fascinating realm of paranormal beliefs and their psychological underpinnings. He discusses his book, which debunks claims like ESP and alien abductions, emphasizing that these phenomena reveal much about the human mind. The conversation also navigates the complex relationship between skepticism and personal experiences, such as sleep paralysis and near-death encounters. French advocates for a nuanced understanding of these beliefs, highlighting their impact on our search for meaning beyond conventional frameworks.

Explore the intriguing journey of life beyond Earth, questioning how universal Darwinism might shape alien evolution. Delve into the Fermi Paradox, pondering why we see no signs of intelligent civilizations amidst countless planets. Discover the challenges of defining life and the philosophical implications of our solitude in the vast cosmos. The discussion also touches on the intersection of astrobiology and women's health, highlighting the universal struggle for intelligent life.

Jonathan Schooler, an esteemed psychologist and professor, dives into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and consciousness. He discusses the ethical implications of conscious AI and the psychological aspects, including mind-wandering and free will. Schooler speculatively explores whether AI could experience consciousness similar to humans. The conversation also probes into the implications of merging human cognition with AI, considering the future of transhumanism and the potential benefits and risks associated with advanced AI systems.

Joseph Corabi, Chair of Philosophy at Saint Joseph’s University, dives into thought-provoking discussions about the future of superintelligent AI. He questions whether AI can achieve true consciousness and explores the philosophical implications of mind uploading. Transhumanism is debated as a possible trajectory for humanity, while Corabi also considers how theological perspectives might illuminate the intersections between AI and concepts of the soul. A captivating analysis reveals the potential for AI to become paralyzed by philosophical dilemmas, raising profound questions about existence.

Swami Medhananda, a Monk from the Ramakrishna Order, enlightens listeners on the interplay of Western philosophy and Vedanta. He dives into the metaphysical nuances of existence and essence within Eastern traditions, revealing the complexities of ultimate reality as viewed through the lenses of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. Topics like transcendence, oneness, and interconnectedness spark fascinating discussions, while comparisons of concepts such as Wu and Emptiness provoke thought about the divine and our place in the cosmos.

Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, a Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, dives into the fascinating interplay between creativity and decision-making. She discusses how creativity is not merely a spontaneous gift but a deliberate choice, and emphasizes the role of emotion in this process. Pringle explores the importance of self-efficacy and the duality of creativity and intelligence. She also touches on innovative methods to enhance creativity, including the impact of openness to experience and the significance of psychological safety.

Donate to Closer To Truth and help us keep our content free and without paywalls.   Dualism claims reality has two parts, a physical and a nonphysical (mental or spiritual), both equally real. Dualism is believed by most people but rejected by most philosophers and scientists.   Featuring interviews with Yujin Nagasawa, Richard Swinburne, Jaron Lanier, Bede Rundle, and Peter Forrest.   Watch the episode on our YouTube channel here.

In this engaging discussion, Robin Hanson, an economist and associate professor at George Mason University, delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. He explores the societal implications of brain emulation and large language models, highlighting concerns about labor markets and wealth distribution. The conversation touches on the ethics of AI consciousness and the concept of virtual immortality. Also discussed are prediction markets as innovative decision-making tools and the Great Filter, reconsidering humanity's place in the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life.

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!