Philosophy

Philosophy

Examine life’s biggest questions, from ethics to existence, with curiosity and critical thinking.

A person sitting on a chair in a studio setting with a white backdrop and two small tables on either side, each holding a small plant.
11mins
"Everything that we care about, everything we experience, everything we know, we know it through our conscious awareness of it."
Yellow background with halftone globe and bold text: "The Great Progression 2025-2050.
Tech expert Peter Leyden argues that we have a historic opportunity to harness AI and other transformative technologies in order to make a much better world over the next 25 years.
An open book with text artfully arranged to form a house and tree shape, set against a blue sky dotted with white swirls, celebrates the magic of books.
When you enter someone's home, you learn how life is lived elsewhere.
A woman with a bowl haircut and red lipstick sits on a sofa wearing a dark, floral dress. A textured yellow pillow and patterned wall are visible in the background.
7mins
She was searching for perfection – until she discovered what she truly needed by letting go of what didn’t fit.
Unlikely Collaborators
Gloved hands hold an open book titled "The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection" by Charles Darwin, a seminal work exploring the origin of life, published in London by John Murray, 1859.
These books helped build the empirical case that life's origins differ from those described in myths and legends.
A grayscale portrait of a smiling person wearing glasses, exuding Warren Buffett wisdom, is centered within graphic elements featuring blue stripes and charts.
Investor Guy Spier joins Big Think for a chat about the “Oracle of Omaha,” generative AI, what confuses him, and more.
Collage featuring a hand filing papers, an airplane, and numerical data on a grid background. Text reads "The Night Crawler: A Journey for Investigative Investors.
Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.
A group of five men in suits pose with model rockets, showcasing their commitment to fundamental research. Beside them, an illustration depicts a space station orbiting Earth and the Moon, highlighting their visionary investment in space exploration.
Back in 1970, Sister Mary Jucunda wrote NASA, decrying large investments in science. A former Nazi's legendary response is still relevant.
Two faceless busts face each other. One, representing AI, has digital lines on its face, while the other exudes cognitive meaning with flowers and leaves emerging from its surface.
Cognitive neuroscientist and AI researcher Christopher Summerfield explores the differences, and similarities, of how AI and humans make meaning of the world.
An aerial view captures two pairs of tennis players, akin to The Four Enemies, shaking hands at the net on a lush green court.
Buddhism has rules for slaying your enemies. But the real surprise is finding out who your enemies actually are.
A person in a black shirt and dark blazer poses against a plain background.
1hr 41mins
"We're awash in lies and misinformation to a degree that was not possible before we got the internet and in particular before we got social media."
Green glowing orbs and funnel-shaped structures with light patterns floating in a vibrant green misty background.
There are some 26 fundamental constants in nature, and their values enable our Universe to exist as it does. But where do they come from?
A stylized image showcases poker chips and a green Swiss army knife, intricately overlaid with circuit patterns, hinting subtly at AI risk. The word "Nightcrawler" graces the top, adding an enigmatic touch.
Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.
In a futuristic control room, two people sit at advanced control panels, utilizing AI technology as they face a large screen displaying vibrant green light beams.
We need more science fiction-inspired thinking in how we approach AI research, argues AI expert Gary Marcus.
Person wearing a purple floral top and hoop earrings, looking upwards. A plant and a wooden table are in the background.
7mins
The New York Times bestselling author and founder of Going With Grace shares how close confrontations with death inspired her to change her life.
Unlikely Collaborators
A weaver's resilient hand skillfully crafts vibrant, geometric patterns into the woven fabric.
Many expect AI to follow a familiar pattern — technological disruption followed by adaptation — but what are we losing in return?
Open book showing a close-up of a hand squeezing a blue stress ball on the left page, symbolizing pressure, while a grayscale image of a person in a suit with crossed arms graces the right page, set against a serene blue backdrop.
You got your promotion — but managing the pressure inherent to your elevated role is now a crucial part of your job.
covid nasal spray
A new bill introduced into the US Senate claims to make us safer. Instead, it would destroy all virology research, and for no real cause.
Illustrated bell curve depicting IQ distribution with meme characters at various IQ levels: 70, 100, and 130, representing different intellectual stereotypes.
A study on the “moral circles” of liberals and conservatives gets drafted into the culture wars — with mixed results.
A person in a suit holds a paper with a smiley face over their head, giving the thumbs-up with the other hand—perhaps caught in the people-pleaser trap, masking true feelings for approval.
The road to “uncaged leadership” means reimagining your professional identity and value. Here’s how.