

ToKCast
Brett Hall
This is a podcast largely about the work of David Deutsch and his books ”The Beginning of Infinity” and ”The Fabric of Reality”.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 53min
Ep 229: David Deutsch’s ”The Fabric of Reality” Chapter 12 ”TimeTravel” Part 2
Delve into the complexities of time travel and the mind-bending theories of a multiverse. Explore the grandfather paradox and see how quantum theory offers intriguing resolutions. Discover the implications of time travel on free will and reality as alternate versions of history emerge. Unpack the mechanics of time machines and the philosophical dilemmas they pose. Lastly, ponder the potential of virtual reality as a medium for time travel, raising questions about choice and existence in parallel timelines.

25 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 56min
Ep 228: Knowledge Beyond Belief
Explore the quest for truth, revealing how it's more about refining our knowledge through error correction than finding absolute answers. Dive into the fascinating distinctions between belief and knowledge, and the evolution of scientific theories from Newton to Einstein. Discover the interplay between creativity, rationality, and the joy of innovation. The conversation highlights how pursuing passions and fun can drive societal progress, igniting optimism for the future. Knowledge is not just information; it's a vibrant journey of discovery and creativity.

53 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 1h 51min
Ep 227: "What is Capitalism?" - an encounter between Objectivism and Critical Rationalism.
Join Nikos Sotirakopoulos, a philosophy and economics expert, and Yaron Brook, a prominent Objectivist philosopher and author, as they dissect the essence of capitalism and its vital role in personal freedom and societal progress. They debate the dangers of collectivism and nationalism, the complexities of energy policy, and the implications of environmentalism on human survival. Their engaging conversation also touches on the clash between democracy and individual rights, the historical context of anti-ANZAC sentiment in Australia, and the need for a self-interested foreign policy.

39 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 2h 17min
Ep 226: Realism and the purposes of philosophy.
Dive into the purpose of philosophy and its concrete connections to science with insights from Karl Popper and David Deutsch. Explore how personal inquiries intersect with traditional paths, revealing the ongoing quest for knowledge. Unravel quantum mysteries through the twin-slit experiment while considering the many-worlds interpretation. Delve into the philosophical debates surrounding individualism versus collectivism, and examine how knowledge, evolution, and art intertwine in humanity’s quest for truth. Challenge the notion of 'obvious truths' through critical thinking.

Nov 28, 2024 • 1h 56min
Ep 225: Livestream from November 27, 2024
The podcast features a dynamic Q&A session, touching on the speaker's recent livestream challenges amidst extreme heat in Sydney. It dives into critical reflections on climate change's effects on wildlife and the shortcomings of the education system. The exploration of genetics unveils fascinating insights into the origins of fear and creativity. Philosophical debates on selfhood, the implications of AI, and multiverse theories spark engaging discussions. It concludes with a candid conversation on children's autonomy regarding food and tech, while addressing mental health complexities.

8 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 54min
Ep 224: Shapes, Time, and Holism - by Julian Barbour
Julian Barbour, an independent British physicist and author renowned for his provocative ideas on time and mechanics, delves into fascinating topics. He discusses how Newtonian mechanics can offer a fundamental perspective on space and time, challenges traditional views on entropy, and introduces the concept of the Janus point. Barbour explores the relationship between shapes, energy, and complexity, suggesting that understanding particle interactions could reshape our grasp of the universe. His insights prompt a reevaluation of conventional physics and its profound implications.

18 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 28min
Ep 223: The Deutsch Files IV (ToKCast version)
Join physicist David Deutsch, renowned for his books on reality and knowledge, and entrepreneur Naval Ravikant as they tackle fascinating topics. They explore the interconnectedness of evolution and physics, challenging reductionist views. Discussions include quantum knowledge, constructor theory, and its implications for time and free will. They also highlight the tension between culture and biology in shaping rationality. Additionally, they critique modern education and its role in cultural shifts, emphasizing the need for engaging learner-driven approaches.

Oct 15, 2024 • 51min
Ep 222: David Deutsch’s ”The Fabric of Reality” Chapter 12 ”TimeTravel” Part 1
Is time travel a reality? The discussion dives into the fascinating concepts of time dilation, exploring how our perception of time shifts with speed. A look at paradoxes like the grandfather paradox sparks debates about past and future travel. The relationship between time travel and consciousness reveals intriguing connections to multiple universes. Attendees navigate science fiction's take on these concepts while dissecting cinematic portrayals. Plus, insights on virtual reality's potential to recreate historical experiences and challenge our understanding of reality.

Sep 27, 2024 • 26min
Ep 221: Do Not Destroy The Means of Error Correction
Explore the vital role of error correction in driving societal progress. The discussion highlights how institutions that encourage adaptability and criticism distinguish open societies from closed ones. A critique of anti-human ideologies emphasizes the importance of democracy, free speech, and creativity. This positive vision champions the idea that embracing error can lead to meaningful advancements, ensuring that societies remain dynamic and resilient amidst future challenges.

Sep 25, 2024 • 39min
Ep 220: Criticism is never enough
Douglas Murray, a political commentator known for his critical views, joins clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson, famed for his insights on culture and psychology. They tackle the challenge of constructing a positive societal vision amidst constant critique. The duo navigates debates on conservative ideologies, the definitions of Western values, and the complexities of gender identity. They argue for the importance of tradition and art in cultural discourse, advocating for a grounded approach to navigating modern challenges.


