Meaning Of Life
Just came across the Meaning of Life website, where Robert Wright interviews some of the biggest minds in science and philosophy to get their insights and opinions on the big questions. I was pleasantly surprised by some of their views:
Is mysticism an enemy of rationalism? Omid Safi, speaking from a Muslim point of view, says no. (If you're wondering how a Muslim got to be an authority on mysticism: Don't forget about the Muslims known as Sufis.) Is consciousness a mystery--so mysterious as to suggest some higher purpose in the universe? Yes and no, says psychologist Steven Pinker (who more definitively solves the mystery of his hair)
... Why are the world's religions sometimes at each other's throats? Huston Smith, who wrote the book on them, has an answer, and it's inspiring yet depressing ... Can science lead to religion? Well, says Templeton Prize winner Arthur Peacocke, consider the similarity between defining an electron and defining God ... Mathematical cosmologist Brian Swimme, who doesn't (quite)believe in God, nonetheless has a way of taking the sting out of death ... Does mind pervade the universe? Do individual atoms make choices? Don't laugh, says Freeman Dyson; modern physics is full of such weird possibilities ... Not sure if you're living in the moment? Try observing yourself while listening to music, suggests Joseph Goldstein ... Some philosophers say they've explained onsciousness. Dream on, says Francis Fukuyama ... Ever have a religious experience? Andrew Newberg takes pictures of brains that are having them ... Do you have trouble meditating?Meditation expert Sharon Salzberg says that's a feature, not a bug ... The universe seems exquisitely compatible with life. Why? John Polkinghorne has a theory (hint: unlike most physicists, he's a priest) ... Why is biological evolution full of death and suffering? Well, says biologist Ursula Goodenough, if you're so smart, let's see you invent a better means of creating intelligent life. Biologist Robert Pollack has a different take on evil--it's just the toxic waste of free will ... The world's major religions seem pretty different--irreconcilably so, at times. Look closer, says Keith Ward. (Ward also has a few words for those who think science can answer all questions.) John Haught, meanwhile, sees the differences among the world's religions as a bit more stubborn ... Is faith bad for science? Au contraire, says Owen Gingerich ...
No comments:
Post a Comment