#318 — Physics & Philosophy | Making Sense with Sam Harris

Intro

In this episode of “Making Sense with Sam Harris,” Sam Harris invites Tim Modlin, a professor of philosophy at NYU, to discuss topics such as scientific reductionism, emergence, and free will. They delve into the complex relationship between physics and philosophy and explore the nature of consciousness and time. Join them as they explore these fascinating subjects and challenge our understanding of the world.

Main Takeaways

Physics and Philosophy

• Philosophy and physics naturally complement each other in their quest for understanding the fundamental nature of reality.
• Reductionism claims that everything can be explained in terms of physics, but emergence suggests that higher-level phenomena have their own causal powers.
• The mind and consciousness are considered emergent phenomena, arising from information processing in biological brains.
• Higher-level phenomena cannot be fully explained solely in terms of subatomic particles and fields.
• Different analytical categories, such as computer science and economics, provide unique insights into specific phenomena.

The Nature of Time

• Our common sense experience of time, including duration, change, sequence, and causation, can be at odds with scientific understanding.
• Newton’s account of time involves the notion of simultaneity and a succession of global instances, while relativity challenges this everyday conception.
• Our perception of time is a complex neurological construct with temporal illusions that can deceive us about the true nature of events.
• Physics suggests that time may not have a fundamental direction, although it is often treated as having one.
• Two contrasting views on time are presentism, which emphasizes the present moment, and eternalism, which sees past, present, and future as equally real.

Possibility and Existence

• The concept of possibility in physics and philosophy is uncertain, and it remains unclear whether there is only the actual.
• The space of possibility seems to influence what becomes actual in a way that is difficult to understand.
• Causation and temporal order can be separated, but teleology has been eliminated from scientific explanations.
• Unrealized possibilities raise philosophical questions about the nature of reality and the influence of the space of possibility.

Summary

Physics and Philosophy: Investigating the Fundamentals

Philosophy and physics have a natural synergy as they both strive to uncover the underlying principles of existence. Reductionism, the idea that everything can be explained in terms of physics, is contrasted with emergence, which suggests that higher-level phenomena possess their own causal powers. The mind and consciousness are considered emergent phenomena, arising from information processing in biological brains. While physics provides a foundational understanding, other disciplines like computer science and economics offer valuable insights into specific phenomena. The relationship between physics and philosophy is one of mutual enrichment and exploration.

The Enigma of Time: Past, Present, and Future

Our intuitive experience of time, characterized by duration, change, and causation, can be at odds with scientific conceptions. Newton’s account of time involves global simultaneity and a succession of instances, while relativity challenges this notion and introduces temporal illusions. Our perception of the present moment is a construct influenced by working memory and integration, rather than a punctate experience. While physics suggests that time may not have a fundamental direction, it is often treated as having one. The contrasting views of presentism and eternalism further complicate our understanding of time and its relationship to reality.

The Mystery of Possibility and Existence

The concept of possibility remains uncertain in physics and philosophy, raising questions about the nature of reality. The space of possibility seems to exert influence on what becomes actual, yet this influence is inscrutable. Causation and temporal order can be separated, but the elimination of teleology from scientific explanations complicates the understanding of possibility. Unrealized possibilities challenge our understanding of existence and require further philosophical exploration. The interplay between actuality and possibility is a fascinating realm that continues to perplex and intrigue.

Conclusion

Exploring the intersections of physics and philosophy reveals the depth of our understanding and the mysteries that remain unsolved. The relationship between reductionism and emergence, the nature of time, and the concept of possibility challenge our preconceived notions and invite us to question the fundamental nature of reality. As we delve deeper into these subjects, we gain a richer appreciation for the complexities of existence and the limits of our current understanding. The exploration of these topics is a testament to the human quest for knowledge and the desire to unravel the mysteries of the universe.