#85 Perplexities of consciousness - Eric Schwitzgebel

Congressman Curt Weldon describes how he became a whistleblower for 9/11. He discusses the historical significance of the fire service, his personal experiences as a firefighter, and the critical elements he discovered about the 9/11 attacks. He emphasizes the need for accountability within intelligence agencies. . Weldon also critiques the 9/11 Commission and calls for a new, independent investigation into the events surrounding the attacks. He highlights the psychological warfare at play in society and the necessity for firefighters to unite and advocate for their needs and the safety of their communities.   Chapters   00:00 The Legacy of the Fire Service 02:19 Personal Journey in Firefighting 05:03 The Largest Fire in America 10:58 Political Advocacy for Firefighters 14:15 The 9/11 Tragedy and Its Aftermath 19:16 Intelligence Failures Leading to 9/11 25:53 The Cover-Up of Bin Laden's Location 32:23 The Role of the CIA and Accountability 42:01 Taking Back America 42:56 Accountability in Intelligence 45:24 The Fight for Interoperable Communications 47:46 Understanding 9/11 and Its Aftermath 51:53 The Role of Cognitive Warfare 01:00:41 The Need for a Real 9/11 Commission 01:05:48 The Power of Firefighters 01:11:12 Tucker Carlson's Upcoming Series on 9/11 01:22:25 Podcast exit terence  -   Keywords   fire service, 9/11, accountability, intelligence agencies, psychological warfare, community, firefighters, Tucker Carlson, legislation, safety, conspiracy, inside job, terrorist, CIA, FBI, Whistleblower,     Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic     ⁠https://curtweldon.net/⁠   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/⁠ ⁠awonderjunkie.com⁠ ⁠Breathe4Flow.com⁠ Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie⁠ iTunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765⁠ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70⁠

Lynne McTaggart, one of the central authorities on the new science and consciousness, is the award-winning author of seven books, including the worldwide bestsellers The Field, The Intention Experiment and The Power of Eight. She is also cofounder of the international magazine What Doctors Don’t Tell You (www.WDDTY.com), and the architect of the Intention Experiments, a web based “global laboratory” to test the power of intention to heal the world. A highly sought after public speaker, Lynne is consistently listed as one of the world’s 100 most spiritually influential people.   Summary   Lynne McTaggart discusses the transformative power of intention and healing, emphasizing the importance of community, altruism, and gratitude in the healing process. She shares insights from her work on group intention experiments and the impact of positive thinking on health outcomes. The discussion also touches on the dangers of trauma culture and the need for connection in modern society.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Healing and Intention 08:51 The Power of Intention and Group Dynamics 18:20 Healing Through Altruism and Community 28:30 Transforming Trauma and the Role of Gratitude 38:31 The Impact of Community and Connection 49:43 Podcast exit terence       https://lynnemctaggart.com/   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   healing, intention, community, trauma, gratitude, power of eight, energy, consciousness, self-help, altruism, trauma, trauma culture, victim culture, somatic,  self help,

Dr. John W. Price shares his journey through suffering and how it has shaped his work as a psychotherapist and co-owner of a wellness center. He emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality into psychological practices and the role of community and relationships in healing. The discussion explores the transformative power of suffering, the need for a new hermeneutic in understanding spirituality, and the significance of gratitude and Awe in personal growth. John Price delves into the intersections of depth psychology, spirituality, and modern challenges. They explore the importance of curiosity and wonder in personal growth, the impact of technology on mental health, and the necessity of community in navigating life's complexities. John emphasizes the concept of 'sacred refusal' as a transformative process, advocating for practical tools like journaling and embodiment practices to foster new narratives. The discussion also highlights the dynamics of community, conflict resolution, and the influences that shape personal development.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and Connection 03:21 Exploring Depth Psychology and Personal Journey 06:34 The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences 09:29 Understanding Suffering and Transformation 12:19 The Role of Personal Experience in Therapy 15:20 The Journey from Music to Psychology 18:30 The Influence of Buddhism and Spiritual Practices 21:25 The Wounded Healer and Community Impact 24:20 Therapeutic Relationships and Personal Growth 27:16 The Importance of Spirituality in Healing 33:43 Ego and Transformation 39:21 Reciprocity and Gratitude in Spirituality 47:14 The Nature of Reality and Surrender 53:23 Maps of Reality and Sacred Refusal 01:03:23 Embracing Serendipity and the Human Experience 01:06:20 The Courage to Slow Down and Let Go 01:09:23 Building New Maps: Practical Tools for Transformation 01:12:11 The Importance of Community and Navigating Conflict 01:18:29 Finding Inspiration and the Role of Mentorship 01:30:20 Gratitude and Final Reflections 01:33:58 Podcast exit terence   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic     ⁠https://www.drjohnwprice.com/⁠   ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks⁠   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/⁠ ⁠awonderjunkie.com⁠ ⁠Breathe4Flow.com⁠ Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie⁠ iTunes: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765⁠ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 psychotherapy, spirituality, suffering, wellness, community, transformation, depth psychology, personal growth, healing, gratitude, depth psychology, spirituality, curiosity, wonder, AWE, Jungian, Jung, CarlJung, InnerSpace, Psychedelics, Psychedelic therapy, technology, addiction, community, conflict resolution, personal growth, transformation

Nick Lane (PhD, FRSB, FLS)  is Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London.Prof Lane’s research is on the way that energy flow has shaped evolution over 4 billion years, using a mixture of theoretical and experimental work to address the origin of life, the evolution of complex cells and downright peculiar behaviour such as sex. He was a founding member of the UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, and is Co-Director of the UCL Centre for Life’s Origin and Evolution (CLOE). He was awarded the 2009 UCL Provost’s Venture Research Prize, the 2011 BMC Research Award for Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics and Evolution, the 2015 Biochemical Society Award for his outstanding contribution to molecular life sciences and 2016 Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture, the UK’s premier award for excellence in communicating science.Nick Lane is the author of five acclaimed books on evolutionary biochemistry, which have sold more than 150,000 copies worldwide, and been translated into 25 languages.   Summary   Nick Lane discusses the pivotal role of mitochondria in biology, emphasizing their importance in energy flow and overall health. He reflects on the need to rekindle curiosity in science and improve communication between scientists and the public. Lane explores the origins of life, the complexity of biology, and the potential for life beyond Earth. He advocates for a holistic view of health that includes mitochondrial function and suggests that understanding energy flow could revolutionize medicine. Nick Lane discusses the importance of sustaining health changes, the complexities of consciousness and metabolism, and the nature of feelings as metabolic readouts. He reflects on the nature of truth and meaning in science and the role of imagination and creativity. Lane also shares insights on writing and shares exciting developments in biology, emphasizing the importance of having fun and enjoying the journey of discovery.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Nick Lane and His Work 03:20 The Role of Mitochondria in Biology 06:18 Bridging the Gap: Science Communication and Curiosity 09:32 The Complexity of Life: Mitochondria and Evolution 12:26 Exploring the Origins of Life 15:34 Mitochondria: The Powerhouses of Cells 18:33 Health Implications of Mitochondrial Function 21:23 The Interconnectedness of Life and Energy 24:12 The Beauty of Proteins and Cellular Machinery 27:27 Photosynthesis: The Miracle of Life 30:30 Conclusion and Reflections on Science and Life 35:43 The Ubiquity of Life in the Universe 40:36 The Complexity of Eukaryotic Cells 44:47 Mitochondria and Health Paradigms 49:58 The Role of Energy in Medicine 52:58 Consciousness and Metabolism 01:04:29 Truth, Meaning, and Human Connection 01:06:25 The Nature of Truth in Science 01:09:48 Imagination and Creativity in Scientific Discovery 01:12:46 Psychedelics and the Mind's Exploration 01:16:58 Writing and Inspiring Future Generations 01:21:54 The Future of mRNA Technology and Scientific Integrity 01:26:38 Interdisciplinary Approaches in Science and AI 01:31:18 Podcast exit terence       https://nick-lane.net/   Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70   Keywords   Nick Lane, mitochondria, biology, consciousness, energy flow, origins of life, health, science communication, proteins, evolution, health, supplements, consciousness, metabolism, feelings, truth, imagination, science, psychedelics, mRNA technology, quantum, quantum biology, quantum health, decentralized Medicine, Circadian Biology, Circadian health, Psychedelics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Physics, wonderjunkie, AWONDERJUNKIE, MKULTRA, 

Exploring the Intersection of Science and Spirituality. James Cooke PhD trained as a neuroscientist after a spontaneous shift in consciousness as a teenager that led to profound relief from burdensome, ruminative thought. He holds three degrees from Oxford University (a PhD and Masters in Neuroscience & a BA in Experimental Psychology).He has conducted scientific research for over a decade at institutions such as Oxford University, University of California, Berkeley, University College London, Trinity College Dublin, and Riken Brain Sciences Institute in Tokyo. James is the author of The Dawn of Mind: How Matter Became Conscious and Alive (coming December 2024), which synthesizes science and contemplative insight to offer a radical solution to the Hard Problem of Consciousness.   Dr. James Cooke shares his personal journey of awakening and the insights he has gained about consciousness, suffering, and the nature of reality. He emphasizes the importance of community, integration, and trauma-informed approaches in spiritual practices, while also addressing the challenges of spiritual bypassing and ego amplification. Dr. Cooke advocates for a responsible navigation of the psychedelic landscape and highlights the need for empowerment and openness in our interactions with technology and each other. He reflects on the wisdom of ancient civilizations and the potential for a more integrated future for humanity, ultimately concluding with a message of love and connection.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Dr. James Cooke and His Work 03:29 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality 06:37 Personal Journey: From Catholicism to Consciousness 09:21 The Role of Psychedelics and Meditation in Understanding Suffering 12:17 Defining Consciousness and Awareness 15:15 The Nature of Reality and Interconnectedness 18:14 Practices for Surrender and Openness 21:33 Addressing Spiritual Bypassing and Ego Amplification 24:24 Navigating the Challenges of the Psychedelic Community 27:36 Empowerment and Trauma-Informed Approaches 30:19 The Future of Consciousness Exploration and Integration 41:50 Curiosity and Playfulness in Exploration 42:45 Empowerment Through Breathwork 44:54 Embodied Wisdom and Spiritual Humility 47:12 The Role of Faith and Surrender 49:10 Gratitude and Presence in Everyday Life 52:00 The Power of Poetry and Expression 52:54 Awareness Practices and Letting Go of Problems 56:51 Contentment and the Journey of Life 01:00:52 Integrating Technology and Humanity 01:03:06 Lessons from Ancient Civilizations 01:04:59 Inspirations and the Call to Love 01:08:28 Podcast exit terence  -    Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   https://www.drjamescooke.com/about   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70   Keywords   science, spirituality, consciousness, meditation, psychedelics, integration, community, awareness, non-duality, trauma-informed, innerspace, float tank, sensory deprivation, floating, psychedelic healing, psychedelic medicine, MAPS, Trauma, Trauma therapy, Jung, Depth psychology, Exploring consciousness, neuroscience, Breathwork, Breathe, Breath, Holotropic, Grof, 

Researching articles, films, and her 38 books for adults and children, nationally bestselling author Sy Montgomery has been chased by an angry silverback gorilla in Rwanda, hunted by a tiger in India, and swum with piranhas, electric eels and pink dolphins in the Amazon. Her work has taken her from the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea (for a book on tree kangaroos) to the Altai Mountains of the Gobi (for another on snow leopards.) For THE SOUL OF AN OCTOPUS (a National Book Award finalist) she befriended octopuses at the New England aquarium and scuba dived and snorkeled with wild octopuses in Mexico and French Polynesia; next she drew on her scuba skills to cage dive with great white sharksand swim freely with giant oceanic manta rays . For her most recent national bestseller for adults, Of Time and Turtles, she befriended a 42-pound wild snapping turtle named Fire Chief, who shows his extraordinary trust by allowing her to feed him by hand. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, the writer Howard Mansfield, and their border collie Thurber. Summary   In this engaging conversation, Sy Montgomery shares her profound love for animals and nature, recounting her experiences with various creatures, including turtles, octopuses, and hummingbirds. She discusses her journey as a writer, the importance of connecting children to the natural world, and the lessons she has learned from her animal companions. Montgomery emphasizes the significance of animal consciousness and the magic of the natural world, inspiring listeners to appreciate and protect the environment. Her reflections on life, death, and gratitude resonate deeply, making this conversation a heartfelt exploration of the bond between humans and animals.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Sy Montgomery 03:21 The Journey of Fire Chief the Turtle 06:20 Friendship and Collaboration with Matt 09:19 Early Connections with Animals 11:28 The Impact of Pets on Life 14:11 Pursuing a Passion for Nature 17:13 The Octopus Experience 20:14 The Importance of Connection to Nature 33:03 The Delicate World of Hummingbirds 39:25 The Connection Between Humans and Hummingbirds 46:34 The Journey of Christopher Hogwood, the Pig 51:21 Lessons from Animals: How to Be a Good Creature 01:00:14 The Mystical Nature of Dolphins 01:11:52 Gratitude and Connection to the Natural World 01:12:25 Podcast exit terence  -    https://symontgomery.com/   Photo of Sy by Michael Sterling    Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70   Keywords   Sy Montgomery, animal consciousness, nature writing, turtles, octopuses, hummingbirds, pink dolphins, animal rescue, environmentalism, children's literature

What is consciousness? Can we tell if other animals experience subjectivity, or whether there will be conscious machines or robots? These fundamental philosophical questions are now being explored by neuroscientist and Professor Nao Tsuchiya and his team.  Nao Tsuchiya discusses his research on consciousness, qualia, and the subjective experience of individuals. He shares his personal journey into the field, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and questioning in scientific inquiry. The discussion covers various aspects of consciousness, including its levels, the role of the amygdala in fear recognition, and the significance of flow states. Tsuchiya also highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding consciousness and the potential impact of transformative experiences on individual.  They delve into the complexities of suffering, growth, and the role of stress in personal development. They explore the concepts of free will and narrative in consciousness, discussing how habits and intentions shape our experiences. The dialogue also touches on the significance of openness in understanding consciousness, the influence of language on experience, and the exploration of non-ordinary states of consciousness. They express curiosity about the nature of reality and the importance of skepticism and openness in exploring phenomena like telepathy. Nao speaks about the importance of staying curios and remaining skeptical, yet open minded.    Chapters   00:00 Exploring Consciousness: An Introduction 06:14 Personal Journey into Consciousness 12:21 The Intersection of Science and Consciousness 18:10 The Debate on Neuromania 21:29 Causality in Consciousness 24:16 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Science 27:17 The Future of Consciousness Studies 30:19 Flow States and Their Importance 33:14 Fear and the Amygdala 36:15 Current Research on Qualia 45:01 Exploring Empathy and Psychopathy 45:54 Quantum Theory and Psychological Measurement 48:19 Challenges in Psychedelic Research 50:09 The Complexity of Flow States 51:29 Discussions on Free Energy Theories 54:06 Subjective Experience vs. Scientific Objectivity 56:59 The Role of Poetry and Meaning in Experience 01:00:55 Integrated Information Theory and Consciousness 01:03:57 The Value of Suffering and Stress 01:07:39 Free Will and Narrative Choices 01:20:52 Language and Experience: A Cultural Perspective 01:23:39 Meditation and the Experiential Quality of Consciousness 01:25:45 Exploring Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness 01:27:14 Contradictions in Philosophy and Reality 01:29:14 Locally Consistent, Globally Inconsistent: Understanding Reality 01:31:41 The Nature of Consciousness and the Limits of Understanding 01:32:58 Curiosity and the Exploration of Self 01:33:07 Skepticism and Openness in Telepathy Research 01:38:42 The Nature of Reality and Social Engineering 01:41:59 The Importance of Openness and Attention 01:47:27 Influences and Inspirations in Thought 01:51:09 Final Thoughts: The Dawn of Everything 01:52:56 Podcast exit terence  -    https://sites.google.com/monash.edu/tlab/home?authuser=0 https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/nao-tsuchiya W: ⁠homepage⁠:  Tw: @⁠conscious_tlab⁠  @⁠naotsuchiya⁠Blsk: @⁠qualiastructure.bsky.social⁠ @⁠naotsuchiya⁠ YouTube : ⁠neural basis of consciousness⁠⁠ORCID⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠  Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70   Keywords   consciousness, qualia, subjective experience, neuroscience, flow states, amygdala, interdisciplinary research, personal journey, scientific inquiry, integrated information theory, suffering, growth, stress, free will, narrative, consciousness, habits, openness, language, telepathy, neuroscience, mindfulness, haiku, Float tank, sensory deprivation, innerspace, 

Professor of Philosophy (Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley, 1997) Areas of interest: philosophy of psychology, philosophy of mind, moral psychology, classical Chinese philosophy, epistemology, metaphilosophy, metaphysics, science fiction Summary  Eric Schwitzgebel explores the challenges of attention in the digital age, the cultural influences on morality, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI. The dialogue also delves into simulation theory and the complexity of existence, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and wonder in our understanding of life. Eric Schwitzgebel and Ryan discuss a range of topics including the Tao of Pooh, skepticism towards paranormal phenomena, the Copernican argument for alien consciousness, the role of death in human creativity, the nature of suffering, ethics in philosophy, and the disconnect between moral beliefs and actions. Eric emphasizes the importance of diverse forms of being and the complexity of human experience, while also recommending influential books and writers that inspire philosophical thought.   Chapters   00:00 Exploring Consciousness and Philosophy 02:56 The Intersection of AI and Consciousness 05:56 The Role of Attention and Awareness 08:58 Ethics, Morality, and AI 11:59 Cultural Perspectives on Morality 14:57 Transhumanism and Its Implications 18:02 The Nature of Reality and Simulation Theory 21:08 The Complexity of Existence 24:03 Philosophy of Opening vs. Closing 26:58 Embracing Uncertainty and Wonder 38:31 Exploring the Tao of Pooh and Telepathy 39:23 Skepticism Towards Paranormal Phenomena 41:39 The Copernican Argument for Alien Consciousness 44:39 The Role of Death in Human Creativity 46:59 The Nature of Suffering and Meaning 50:25 Ethics and Moral Behavior in Philosophy 54:01 The Disconnect Between Moral Beliefs and Actions 58:39 Aiming for Moral Mediocrity 01:01:34 Influential Philosophers and Writers 01:05:11 Recommended Reads for the Next Generation 01:08:59 The Nature of Meaning in Life     Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Eric  http://schwitzsplinters.blogspot.com/ https://faculty.ucr.edu/~eschwitz/   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70   Keywords   consciousness, philosophy, AI, ethics, morality, transhumanism, simulation theory, attention, awareness, cultural perspectives, Tao of Pooh, telepathy, skepticism, consciousness, death, suffering, ethics, moral behavior, philosophy, recommended books

Gunnar O Babcock is a lecturer in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. His research is primarily in the philosophy of biology and it appears in journals such as Philosophy of Science, Synthese and the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. He previously managed a non-profit domestication project in Alaska aimed at creating a sustainable form of northern agriculture. Summary   Professor Gunnar Babcock discusses his unique perspective on consciousness, cognition, and the intersection of philosophy and biology. He explores the concept of agency in non-living systems, the implications of synthetic biology and AI, and the challenges of defining life and goal-directedness. The conversation also delves into the ethical considerations of scientific advancements and the importance of critical thinking in navigating the complexities of modern society.   Chapters   00:00 Exploring Consciousness and Cognition 03:15 Teleology vs. Mechanistic Thinking 06:31 Microbial Agency and Biological Systems 07:23 Synthetic Biology and Artificial Agency 12:53 The Nature of Life and Goal-Directedness 19:01 Conceptual Revisions in Understanding Life 24:52 Influences and Inspirations in Modern Science 29:06 Exploring Ancient Philosophy and Its Relevance Today 31:44 Technological Advancements and Ethical Dilemmas 35:53 The Role of Values in Science 38:28 Funding Research: Balancing Practicality and Exploration 40:58 A Day in the Life of a Philosopher 44:01 The Intersection of Fitness and Consciousness 49:31 Instilling Critical Thinking in Students 51:42 Future Prospects: Excitement and Concerns 55:04 Navigating Free Speech and Censorship 59:06 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Inquiry 01:00:13 Podcast exit terence  -     Gunnar Babcock  https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HSI2IBgAAAAJ&hl=en https://aeon.co/users/gunnar-o-babcock https://aeon.co/essays/we-need-to-stop-thinking-about-sex-when-it-comes-to-reproduction Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   consciousness, cognition, agency, synthetic biology, AI, ethics, life, goal-directedness, philosophy, science

Professor at the Santa Fe Institute renowned for his groundbreaking work across multiple disciplines—from physics and computer science to game theory and complexity.  David Wolpert is one of the modern era's true polymaths. He received his PhD in physics from UC Santa Barbara but has made seminal contributions across numerous fields. His research spans machine learning (where he formulated the "No Free Lunch" theorems), statistical physics, game theory, distributed intelligence, and the foundations of inference and computation. Before joining SFI, Wolpert held positions at NASA, Stanford, and the Santa Fe Institute as a professor. His work consistently bridges disciplinary boundaries to address fundamental questions about complex systems, computation, and the nature of intelligence.   Summary   Professor David Wolpert discusses his interdisciplinary approach to understanding computation in dynamic systems, the role of memory and prediction in human cognition, and the limitations of human understanding. He explores the implications of these themes for history, mathematics, and the future of scientific inquiry, particularly in relation to AI and the environmental costs of information processing. David Wolpert discusses his journey through academia, the challenges of pursuing a career in science, and the philosophical implications of mathematics. The dialogue explores the complexities of human motivation, the evolution of scientific practice, and the fundamental role of mathematics in understanding reality.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to David Wolpert's Work 01:12 Understanding Computation in Dynamic Systems 04:06 The Role of Bias in Inference and Prediction 09:20 Memory, Prediction, and Human Limitations 14:25 The Limits of Human Understanding 19:51 The Ineffable Nature of Reality 23:19 Mathematics and History: A New Perspective 26:15 Human Societies and Computational Growth 28:23 AI and the Future of Scientific Inquiry 31:55 The Decision to Engage with Society 36:02 Navigating Academia and Career Choices 41:29 The Pursuit of Impact and Fulfillment 46:40 The Role of Science and Trust in Society 47:31 Mathematics: Discovery vs. Creation 59:41 The Paradox of Mathematics and Reality     David Wolpert  https://davidwolpert.weebly.com/self-indulgences.html https://davidwolpert.weebly.com/ https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PRjgI8kAAAAJ&hl=en A sliver of reality https://aeon.co/essays/ten-questions-about-the-hard-limits-of-human-intelligence . His latest book is The Energetics of Computing in Life and Machines (2019). Music for every episode  Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic   Connect with Ryan Anderson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awonderjunkie/ awonderjunkie.com Breathe4Flow.com Rumble https://rumble.com/user/awonderjunkie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awonderjunkie iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-wondejunkie/id1739838765 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1CcQXpxfV9P89IrKmtV2hS?si=6519a88aef444ba0 A bit about Ryan Anderson-  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bsR23JM4z6p1RPpbv7czC?si=4ba51224cf464e70 Keywords   David Wolpert, computation, dynamic systems, memory, prediction, human limitations, AI, history, mathematics, scientific inquiry, machine learning, academia, impact, mathematics, science, trust, philosophy, consciousness, reality, artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, transhumanism,