Closer To Truth

Hamza Yusuf, an influential Islamic scholar, shares insights on death and the soul from a Sunni perspective, highlighting concepts of resurrection and judgment. Carol Zaleski, a religion scholar, delves into Christian notions of heaven, hell, and purgatory, questioning eternal punishment and exploring universal salvation. Tao Jiang, an expert in Buddhism, explains reincarnation, karma, and the transformative nature of nirvana. Lastly, philosopher Yujin Nagasawa tackles models of immortality, debating their desirability and the complexities of identity after death.

Swami Sarvapriyananda, a Vedanta monk and teacher, delves into the profound question of whether consciousness is ultimate. He explains how Indian traditions emphasize consciousness as central to overcoming suffering. Sarvapriyananda contrasts non-dual Advaita Vedanta with Sankhya dualism and theistic views on the relationship between consciousness and matter. He articulates Brahman as limitless existence and bliss, while also discussing the playful manifestation of individual minds from a cosmic consciousness.

In a fascinating conversation, Sir Roger Penrose, a renowned mathematician and Nobel Laureate, delves into the profound nature of reality and the universe. He reflects on his journey through physics and mathematics, highlighting the role of chance encounters in shaping his ideas. Penrose presents his contrarian views on quantum mechanics, arguing it is incorrect rather than incomplete, and discusses gravity's significant role in state reduction. With insights on consciousness and a rich historical perspective, he challenges conventional thinking in science.

Max Tegmark, a physicist championing the Mathematical Universe Hypothesis, argues that reality is fundamentally mathematical. Scott Aaronson, a theoretical computer scientist, delves into the implications of viewing the universe as a computer and explores limits on computation from physics. Silvia Jonas, a mathematical pluralist, discusses the set-theoretic multiverse and the independence of mathematical truths, including the continuum hypothesis. Together, they tackle profound questions about the nature of mathematics and its connection to reality.

Dive into the rich tapestry of global philosophies surrounding religion! Experts explore core ideas ranging from Hindu concepts of Atman and karma to Buddhist practices focused on truth. Discover Islamic theories on creation ex nihilo and Jewish thoughts on redemption. African perspectives on community and personhood highlight relational ethics. The discussion embraces philosophical diversity, urging listeners to learn from various traditions about ultimate questions, purpose, and the afterlife.

Stephen Wolfram, a British-American physicist and computer scientist, discusses his groundbreaking work on the Wolfram Physics Project. He unveils how simple rules can generate complex behaviors in nature, highlighting the importance of computation as a foundation for physics. Wolfram shares insights from his journey, including the discovery of Rule 30, which reveals order in apparent randomness. He also explores the principle of computational equivalence and how it relates to our understanding of the universe, suggesting that computation is a fundamental aspect of reality.

If you enjoy our content, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue exploring the world's deepest questions without the need for paywalls.   Humanity’s future is now framed by artificial intelligence (AI) and increasing interventions in the body to enhance features and functions. This is transhumanism. Considering the stakes, and the dangers, a philosophical perspective is imperative.   Featuring interviews with Paul Griffiths, Nathan Lents, Carol Cleland, Quayshawn Spencer, Rachell Powell, S. Joshua Swamidass, Terrence Deacon, and Massimo Pigliucci.

Make a donation to Closer To Truth to help us continue exploring the world's deepest questions without the need for paywalls.     What is the three-way relationship among mind, art, and transcendence? What is it about art that can elicit the sense of transcendence, going beyond the self, bursting the constraining bonds of semantic language? What is it about transcendence that it can be expressed by art? What in fact is transcendence, from a momentary escape from self to a full- blown mystical experience? How does the art-transcendence nexus engage the mind? We describe key terms and ideas.     Featuring interviews with Simone Schnall, Julio Bermudez, Judith Wolfe, Oludamini Ogunnaike, Jonathan Berger, and Anjan Chatterjee.

Dive into the intricate world of sex and gender from a philosophical lens. Explore how biology reshapes our understanding of these concepts and the surprising diversity in animal reproductive strategies. Discuss the realities of transgender identities alongside genetic factors and the importance of biological sex in healthcare. Uncover how feminist approaches can enhance sexual health research. Finally, rethink classifications in sports for trans women, focusing on process over binary definitions. A thought-provoking exploration awaits!

Etzel Cardeña, a leading researcher on out-of-body and near-death experiences, dives into the fascinating realm of consciousness. He explores how these profound experiences could reshape our understanding of reality and self. The discussion highlights the interplay between idealism and consciousness, questions materialistic views, and delves into the subjective nature of NDEs and OBEs. Cardeña encourages a skeptical yet open-minded approach to these phenomena, suggesting significant implications for beliefs about life after death.