Closer To Truth

Donate to Closer To Truth and help us keep our content free and without paywalls.   Cosmos and consciousness seem utterly different, the former encompassing the vast universe, the latter emerging from tiny brains. Yet consciousness founds most religions, and some cosmologists speak quietly, profoundly, about consciousness.   Featuring interviews with David Chalmers, Alexander Vilenkin, David Brin, Colin McGinn, and Paul Davies.

Nathan Lents, an evolutionary biologist and author at John Jay College, explores how our understanding of sexuality and gender is deeply rooted in animal behavior over the past 500 million years. He discusses the fluidity of sexual identities like pansexuality and non-binary, emphasizing the importance of rejecting rigid definitions. Lents also unpacks the evolution of asexuality and the term 'queer,' advocating for inclusivity. He argues for recognizing the complexity of sexuality in both humans and animals, challenging traditional views and societal norms.

Dive deep into the ultimate questions of existence, grappling with the cosmos, consciousness, and reality. Discover how the universe's nature blends science with philosophy, revealing the delicate balance between inquiry and belief. Delve into the origins of the universe and the limits of verification, while exploring how mathematics shapes our understanding of existence. Engage with the evolving perceptions of reality through the eyes of physicists, connecting the dots between the tangible and intangible aspects of life.

Wojciech Zurek, a leading authority on quantum theory, dives into the strange world of quantum mechanics. He explores why quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement defy our traditional understanding of reality. Zurek discusses the shift from classical to quantum views, illuminating concepts like the uncertainty principle. He also delves into the philosophical implications of these quantum quirks, asking how they might reshape our perceptions of matter and the universe. Prepare for a mind-bending ride through the peculiarities of the quantum realm!

In this insightful discussion, philosopher Richard Swinburne, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, dives deep into the existence of evil and its relation to divine nature. He argues the significance of free will in human suffering and explores the complexities of the Trinity and love within Christian theology. Additionally, Swinburne contrasts ancient sacrifices with Christ's unique atonement, examines the implications of resurrection, and addresses the moral significance of free will in defining one's spiritual fate.

Support Closer To Truth with a tax-deductible donation of any amount to help us continue exploring in the new year.   Closer To Truth host Robert Lawrence Kuhn recently published an extensive new article titled "A Landscape of Consciousness: Toward a taxonomy of explanations and implications". The paper covers the field of consciousness studies in its entirety as well as the consequences of consciousness including artificial intelligence (AI), life after death, and virtual immortality.   Read Kuhn's article on the Closer To Truth website.   Robert Lawrence Kuhn, PhD., is the co-creator, executive producer, writer, and host of Closer To Truth, the PBS/public television series on Cosmos, Life, Mind, and Meaning that presents leading scientists, philosophers, and creative thinkers discussing the fundamental questions of existence. He recently published an extensive article—"A Landscape of Consciousness: Toward a taxonomy of explanations and implications"—covering the field of consciousness studies in its entirety.

William Lane Craig, a renowned Christian philosopher and apologist, tackles profound questions about God as the Creator. He discusses whether God created out of nothing or if the cosmos operates in cycles. The conversation dives into the philosophy of abstract objects like logic and morality—do they exist independently of God? Craig also explores the implications of modern cosmology and the Big Bang on theological beliefs, emphasizing God's continuous role in sustaining reality and the intricate relationship between divine will and existence.

Kip Thorne, a renowned expert on Einstein's theory of relativity, dives deep into the fascinating concept of time. He discusses its intrinsic relativity and how our perception of time can differ based on individual experiences. Delving into quantum mechanics, Thorne explores the idea of parallel universes and the philosophical implications of altered timelines. He challenges conventional views by proposing that space and time may be emergent properties, reshaping our understanding of reality. Thorne's insights invite listeners to rethink their relationship with time.

Donate to Closer To Truth and help us continue producing thought-provoking interviews with experts across the globe.   All who affirm that God does exist should examine the strong attacks of those who conclude that God does not exist, and then assess the sharp counterattacks of scholarly believers. Belief in God is too important to be determined by cultural circumstances.   Featuring interviews with Susan Blackmore, Peter Atkins, Alvin Plantinga, and Steven Weinberg.   You can watch the full episode on our YouTube channel here.

In this intriguing discussion, John Richard Gott III, an esteemed astrophysicist from Princeton, delves into the vast cosmic landscape. He explores how galaxies and clusters of galaxies emerged from early quantum fluctuations and were shaped by gravitational forces. The conversation highlights the role of dark energy in accelerating the universe's expansion, challenging prior notions of cosmic evolution. Gott also discusses the significance of the cosmic microwave background radiation in understanding galaxy formation and the ultimate fate of the universe.