In what ways are we special or unique? Is it because we can think, like Rene Descartes said? Or is thinking just a chemical process that directs our actions as La Mettrie would have us believe? You might be shocked to know that we don’t really know. Science hasn’t been able to touch it.

Are We Unique?

Everything you wanted to know about evolution by natural selection in short, easy to digest, episodes.  Hosted, and produced by writer Rick Coste.

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            The concept of superposition exists in both quantum mechanics and evolutionary geology. We start with the strange and counterintuitive world of quantum physics, where particles exist in multiple states until observed. Then, we journey back to 1666 where another kind of superpositionwas discovered—this time in rock layers - allowing us to read Earth's history through its geological layers.  Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!               Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy. You can also check out the new YouTube channel!   Music in this Episode  Three Colors by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Submerging Blue-Black by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Floating by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com  Chimera by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com 

The Law of Superposition

            What if consciousness, much like the architectural 'spandrels' we talked about before, isn't actually crucial to our survival? Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin argued that some traits might just be byproducts, not directly selected for their utility. We'll unravel this thread by retracing the steps of René Descartes on a cold night in 1619 when he conceived ideas that challenged our understanding of reality. Was his revelation in a cozy 'oven' room the birth of modern philosophy, or a deeper insight into the illusions crafted by our own minds? Descartes' meditations prompted us to doubt our senses and the very nature of reality, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, our lives are nothing but elaborate deceptions.  Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!               Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy. You can also check out the new YouTube channel!   Music in this Episode  Ghost by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Steppin Into by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Lilywhite by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com 

The Evolution of Consciousness - Part 3

Do our thoughts serve a purpose, or are they just a byproduct of something deeper? Consciousness studies bridge the realms of philosophy and science. Are we truly aware, or is it all just an illusion? Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming! Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.   Music in this Episode  Horn Haze by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Gentle Heart by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Grebe by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com 

The Evolution of Consciousness - Part 2

             In this episode, we delve into the mysterious world of consciousness, a mystery that resides within the depths of our minds. We'll explore the physical and philosophical theories of consciousness, from the brain's intricate processes to the elusive concept of qualia.               Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming! Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.   Music in this Episode  Caterpillar Tunnel by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Netherland by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Dark Water by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com  Kitten by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com Twinkle Toes by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com 

The Evolution of Consciousness - Part 1

In this episode, we dive deep into the astounding journey of technological evolution, from the Wright brothers' inaugural flight to humanity's giant leap on the moon, and onto the revolutionary frontiers of AI with ChatGPT. Let's contemplate AI's potential to become a new form of life, pondering its future impacts and the ethical dilemmas it presents.  Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy. Figure & Open AI Collaboration: Video on YouTube Music in this Episode  All music AI generated from Suno 

Are We Unique?

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