Closer To Truth

Donate to Closer To Truth to help us continue exploring the world's deepest questions.   When we speak about the future of the universe, we mean when the sun burns out, when galaxies collide, when everything flies apart and ultimately evaporates. Do the untold billions and trillions of years from now make it irrelevant for us today? No. The far far future of the universe conveys meaning now.   Featuring interviews with Martin Rees, Wendy Freedman, Abraham Loeb, Alexander Vilenkin, and Robert Russell.

David Papineau, a British academic philosopher and Professor of Philosophy of Science, dives into the fascinating relationship between consciousness and reality. He critiques traditional dualism, advocating for a materialist perspective that links consciousness with physical processes. The discussion also ventures into moral considerations for animals and AI, questioning what it means to be conscious. With engaging explorations of teleo semantics and the complexities of belief formation, Papineau sheds light on the intricate interplay between mind and matter.

Join renowned neuroscientists Rodolfo Llinas, John Mazziotta, Joseph LeDoux, Mike Merzenich, and Eran Zaidel as they dive into the fascinating workings of the human brain. Discover how brain functions underpin our thoughts, movements, and emotions. Delve into the amygdala's role in processing fear and the impact of neuroplasticity on human experience. Explore the complexity of consciousness and how our brains adapt through learning, shaping both individual identity and perception. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the mind!

Join Deepak Chopra, a leader in alternative medicine, Donald Hoffman, a cognitive scientist, and other guests like Neil Theise and Fred Alan Wolf as they dive into the compelling question of whether consciousness is the ultimate reality. They explore the idea that our perceptions may be illusions and discuss how consciousness might unfold in relation to physical laws. Touching on everything from quantum physics to the boundaries of body and soul, they challenge traditional beliefs and ponder the cosmic significance of consciousness.

In this intriguing discussion, astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter and physicists Roger Penrose, Paul Steinhardt, Martin Rees, and Frank Drake delve into whether the cosmos truly holds inherent meaning. They explore the origins of the universe, the implications of the Big Bang, and what humanity's role might be within the vast cosmos. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of the universe and the philosophical questions raised by possible extraterrestrial contact, challenging our understanding of existence and purpose.

Join brilliant minds like John Polkinghorne, a physicist turned theologian, and John Hick, a philosopher of religion, as they dive into the essence of God. The discussion redefines God beyond traditional views, exploring a vulnerable deity intertwined with the universe. J.L. Schellenberg raises questions about skepticism and existence, while Timothy O'Connor tackles free will. Together, they unravel the complexities of divine attributes, the notion of 'ultimism,' and the meaningful essence of faith in human life.

Astrophysicist Or Graur, an associate professor at the University of Portsmouth and author of 'Galaxies,' delves into the universe's grandeur. He discusses the groundbreaking findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, which reveal complex, ancient galaxies formed shortly after the Big Bang. Graur explores the formation and lifecycle of spiral galaxies, their transformation of gas into stars, and the intricate relationship with dark matter and black holes. He also touches on the vastness of the Milky Way and the intriguing questions of life beyond Earth.

Join Charles Tart, a psychologist in consciousness studies; Richard Swinburne, a philosopher of religion; Robert Park, a physicist promoting scientific literacy; James Tabor, an expert in early Christianity; and Keith Ward, a philosopher exploring science versus religion. They tackle profound questions about consciousness after death and whether we truly disappear. Discussing life after death, they explore biblical interpretations and contrasting resurrection beliefs, making you reflect on identity, hope, and the human desire for survival.

Renowned physicist Steven Weinberg, prominent physicist Paul Davies, neuroscientist Colin Blakemore, and theoretical computer scientist Scott Aaronson discuss the boundaries of science, the role of philosophy in enhancing scientific understanding, the evolving perspective on physical laws, and the interplay between philosophy and science in exploring consciousness and brain processes.

Marvin Minsky, Marilyn Schlitz, J. van Huyssteen, Colin McGinn, and Roger Walsh discuss the uniqueness of human consciousness, contrasting scientific, theological, and mystical perspectives. Conversations span neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality, exploring the origins and significance of human consciousness.