Episode 1: Has science refuted idealism?
Episode Audio
Download: MP3 Audio (61.5 MB)
Episode Notes and Links
Episode Notes
In part 1 of the episode, Richard and Pete consider the question "Has science refuted idealism?" After the mid-episode musical break, they continue on this theme in part 2, with a focus on the related question "Is your own conscious experience something about which you can be absolutely certain?" They consider various hypothetical scientific experiments and philosophical considerations that may, or may not, serve to undermine your own confidence that you are not a zombie. Toward the end of the episode, the question turns to idealism about morals and whether it's immoral to deny moral realism. At various points in the episode, questions arise about whether idealism about colors is scientifically justified and whether it's consistent with science that the so-called physical universe exists inside of a computer simulation.
(The music in the episode's intro and outro is "Aristotelian Eye Jelly" by Quiet Karate Reflex. More of Quiet Karate Reflex's music can be heard here: http://quietkaratereflex.bandcamp.com/.)
(The video chat between Richard and Pete that this episode's audio is drawn from is viewable on YouTube.)
Links
- Flage, D. George Berkeley (1685-1753). Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
- Maund, B. Color. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
- Sayre-McCord. G. Moral Realism. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
- "Nick Bostrom - The Simulation Argument (Full)". Youtube.com.
- Dretske, F. How do you know you're not a zombie?