

Closer To Truth
Closer To Truth
Closer To Truth presents the world’s greatest thinkers exploring humanity’s deepest questions in Cosmos, Life, Consciousness, and Meaning. Engage new and diverse ways of thinking. Appreciate intense debates. Seek your own answers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 24, 2024 • 27min
Roger Penrose: Mathematics & What Exists
Roger Penrose, 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics, explores fundamental questions about existence, the nature of mathematics, and the cosmos. He discusses the interconnections between physical, mental, and mathematical worlds, the relationship of mathematics with the physical universe, and presents his hypothesis of conformal cyclic cosmology. Penrose challenges the dominant view of pure physicalism and delves into the mystery of the alignment between mathematics, the physical world, and mentality.

Jan 16, 2024 • 27min
Is Mathematics Invented or Discovered?
Dive into the intriguing debate of whether mathematics is an invention or a discovery of universal truths. The discussion features profound insights on how math describes everything from atoms to galaxies, questioning its role in our understanding of reality. Philosophical perspectives challenge us to rethink abstract concepts and their origins. With contributions from leading thinkers, the conversation reveals a rich landscape of mathematical exploration that may be more about uncovering existing truths than merely human creation.

7 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 27min
What is the Deep Meaning of Probability?
Experts in probability theory, cosmology, quantum gravity, and computer science discuss the deep meaning of probability. They explore refining data, assessing theories, and probing ultimate reality in cosmology. Topics include confidence in precise measurements, assessing competing models, and revealing how quantum fluctuations became galactic structures.

Jan 3, 2024 • 43min
Martin Rees on Cosmology and Existential Risk
Astrophysicist and cosmologist Martin Rees discusses the James Webb Space Telescope, black holes, existential risk, progress in understanding the birth of galaxies, balancing privacy and human safety, global justice, AI consciousness, and the future of humanity.

13 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 27min
When Brains Go Bad
Brain scientists discuss the impact of brain damage on behavior, consciousness, perception, self, and addiction. They explore cases of brain injury, dementia, and drug abuse to gain insights into normal brain functioning and philosophical questions about personal identity.

Dec 20, 2023 • 27min
Jesus as God: A Philosophical Inquiry
Prominent theologians and philosophers delve into the astonishing claim that Jesus is God, discussing topics such as the challenges of understanding the incarnation, the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, the debate about the nature of Jesus, and the importance of beginning with Jesus in one's understanding of God.

Dec 13, 2023 • 27min
Freeman Dyson: From Physics to the Far Future
Freeman Dyson, inventive thinker, discusses space colonization, extraterrestrial life, and the far future of intelligence. He explores different perspectives on physics, the concept of life as dust grains in space, harnessing energy through Dyson spheres, and his legacy challenging consensus.

Dec 6, 2023 • 27min
How Does the Subconscious Affect Us?
There is more to our mental lives than the current content of our awareness. Our subconscious affects what we sense, think, feel and do. How does the subconscious work its magic?
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Nov 29, 2023 • 27min
What Are Breakthroughs in Mathematics?
Renowned mathematicians and physicists discuss breakthroughs in mathematics, including the significance of solving problems like the Colabi conjecture, the impact on physics, complexities of four-dimensional spaces, random sequences, and the relationship between mathematics and physics.

Nov 22, 2023 • 51min
Terrence Deacon on the Noosphere
Terrence Deacon, Neuroanthropologist and co-chair of the N2 Conference, discusses the noosphere, biological evolution, and the upcoming N2 conference. Topics include the concept of the noosphere, its relation to the geosphere and biosphere, the presence of teleology in evolution, and the global interest in cosmology, physics, and philosophy. The discussion also explores emergence and its connection to the noosphere.