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Here, I interview some of the leading thinkers in modern natural philosophy. I'm your host, Dr. Siddharth Muthukrishnan. I originally trained in theoretical physics, before deciding that my interests were more conceptual and foundational, and switched to philosophy. Conversations will span science and philosophy and perhaps other topics as well.Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):
➤ Science–philosophy interviews • Foundations of quantum mechanics, many-worlds, modal realism • Emergent spacetime, entanglement, decoherence, AdS/CFT, string theory • Black holes, thermodynamics, information paradox • Consciousness, animal cognition, evolutionThis podcast features long-form interviews with prominent philosophers and physicists about foundational questions at the intersection of modern science and philosophy. Hosted by a scholar with training in theoretical physics and philosophy, the conversations focus on how to interpret major scientific theories and what those theories imply about the structure of reality.
A recurring theme is the metaphysics of quantum mechanics and quantum gravity, including debates over the meaning of quantum theory and how to understand possibility, actuality, and “many worlds.” Discussions explore the idea that familiar spacetime might be emergent rather than fundamental, and they draw on contemporary work involving entanglement and decoherence, thermodynamic and informational ideas, and frameworks from high-energy theory such as holography and string theory. Alongside the physics, the podcast regularly engages classic philosophical contrasts—reduction versus emergence, substantivalism versus relationalism about space and time, and broader views like monism—using current scientific research as the testing ground for these concepts.
Another central area is black hole physics, with attention to black hole thermodynamics and statistical mechanics as well as the information paradox. These topics are treated not only as technical puzzles but also as prompts for conceptual clarification about entropy, information, and what counts as an adequate explanation in physics.
The scope also extends beyond fundamental physics to philosophy of mind and biology, particularly questions about consciousness in non-human animals. Here the focus shifts to how consciousness might be studied empirically and conceptually, touching on cognition, learning, and evolutionary considerations, and on what kinds of evidence and inference are appropriate when attributing mental states across species.
Overall, this podcast aims to map where contemporary scientific developments meet deep philosophical issues about reality, explanation, and mind.
| Episodes: |
Alastair Wilson on Quantum Modal Realism2020-Sep-16 109 minutes |
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Sean Carroll on Quantum Spacetime 2020-Sep-02 113 minutes |
David Wallace on Black Holes2020-Sep-02 120 minutes |
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Colin Allen on Animal Consciousness 2020-Sep-02 119 minutes |