Closer To Truth

Donate any amount to help Closer To Truth continue exploring the world's deepest questions without the need for paywalls.   How do we define a soul? Can AI become consciousness? Julia Mossbridge discusses these questions along with the main trends in parapsychology, transpersonal psychology, and ESP research over the last decade.   Dr. Julia Mossbridge is an American cognitive neuroscientist, author, and educator who works on exceptional human performance including psi effects, notably on precognition and presentiment. She is Senior Distinguished Fellow in Human Potential at the Center for the Future Mind at Florida Atlantic University, Member of the Loomis Innovation Council at the nonpartisan Stimson Center, Affiliate Professor in the Department of Biophysics and Physics at University of San Diego, and founder and board chair of the nonprofit TILT: The Institute for Love and Time.

Dive into the fascinating interplay between reductionism and emergence in biology. The discussion reveals how evolutionary theories connect with embryological development, highlighting novel insights. Philosophical debates spark over the nature of genes and the complexities of defining them. Listen as experts dissect the significance of interdisciplinary links and explore how reductionist mechanisms coexist with emergent properties. It's a captivating exploration of life’s intricate systems and the foundational theories that seek to explain them.

James Hughes, the Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, dives into the fascinating intersection of AI, consciousness, and Buddhist philosophy. He discusses how emerging technologies may reshape our understanding of identity and autonomy, while examining the ethical implications of AI decision-making. The conversation touches on transhumanism and the philosophical concerns from both Buddhist and Western perspectives. Notably, they explore the illusion of self and how technology challenges traditional notions of consciousness.

Dive into the fascinating world of evolution and its complex hierarchies. Explore where natural selection truly operates—from genes to groups. Discover the pivotal role of genes and the debates surrounding multilevel selection theories. Engage with ideas on replicators, interactors, and adaptative manifestors. Challenge traditional views on group versus individual selection while unraveling the intriguing interplay of selfishness and altruism in evolution. It's a thought-provoking journey into the very essence of life!

Futurist Zoltan Istvan delves into the profound impact of AI on society, focusing on the challenges posed by deepfakes and the crisis of trust in digital media. He discusses the merging of AI with human consciousness and the potential ethical dilemmas it raises. Istvan also contemplates the future of human enhancement through technology, advocating for caution amid the promises of transhumanism. The conversation extends into the philosophical realms of identity, mortality, and the complex fusion of technology with our very essence.

Dive into the fascinating relationship between philosophy and evolutionary biology. The discussion navigates the intricacies of natural selection and common ancestry, unraveling how these concepts connect all living species. Explore pivotal evolutionary 'concesters' and their surprising links, such as the bond between whales and hippos. Delve into the philosophical implications of evolution on belief systems, pondering the coexistence of order and disorder in the biological world. It's a journey through the complexities of life that challenges traditional views.

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.