Mindscape Ask Me Anything, Sean Carroll | September 2024

Welcome to the September 2024 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questions themselves are good -- and sometimes group them together if they are about a similar topic. Enjoy!

#podcast #ideas #science #philosophy #culture

[GoatOfTheWoods]

Always a nice surprise when the Mindscape AMA suddenly pops in.
Thank you for the 4 hours, Sean!

[ChrisKadaver]

I never went to study physics at university. I thought about it since I was all invested in it during my late teens and early adulthood. I did watch all your lectures that was available at the time though. And I'm happy I did, because I believe it teached me how to think no matter the topic really. It was a crucial time for my development and I can easily understand different concepts that some of my peers seem to struggle with. And I think it's due to my curiosity at that time in life.

[mw-thov]

clear thinking at length is a welcome exception to what occurs on the internet or life...thanks

[davegrundgeiger]

I LOVE the romantic take on people coming together to learn and think. I'm all in, and I love knowing that others dig this vibe also.

[Smoogems_]

Don't you dare ever change that thumbnail Sean or your hair you big burning hunk of love.

[ililnine]

Is the universe a higher dimensional object passing through 3 dimensional space - with, for example, the big bang being the initial point of contact with our 3d surface?

[tomfiedor]

Sean for president of the post singularity world council.

[DABmonger]

And in Scotland & England, most universities start in a month's time ...

[CorwynGC]

Of course I can figure out what the tide is by thinking carefully about it. That is how we get tide charts.

[lukegratrix]

The difference between consciousness and unconsciousness is whether or not you feel safe approaching the lion you just shot with the tranquilizer!

[jayvincent]

We need a new series comparable to Through The Wormhole... ASAP .. My day to day interactions in society have destroyed all hope for a new " Einstein or Da Vinci " ..

[Maplehigh]

Babe wake up new Sean Carroll ama dropped

[CorwynGC]

Can you give me a reason why you think only citizens should be allowed to vote?

[ililnine]

Is the universe just quantum states disentangling based on it observing itself - with the 'big bang' being the first observation?

[michaeljfigueroa]

If one made 5 patreon account would they get 5 lifetime questions?

[draconyster]

If you are feeding feral cats please be aware that they can carry rabies and sometimes the behavior of infected animals is not aggressive and not obvious. Please stay safe.

Also please everybody read up on rabies and be aware and never ignore even the smallest bites, always get the rabies shots. Or maybe consider getting vaccinated upfront, especially if you travel a lot. There is no downside, the side effects from the vaccine are very rare.

In any case please let animal control handle any feral or wild animals. Never attempt to touch them or bring home.

[lassel]

Ask me anything? Well tell me about React programming with Redux? In an ECS context?

[meditatingman]

I don't get it. You say you are not an expert on the slippery topic of what consciousness is but you then you define it in terms of your area of expertise - quantum and particles. Other famous scientific experts are similar: They claim ignorance and then pontificate.

Recently I noticed someone saying "I love you." to another. That seemed nice but then I saw that others witnessed the same thing. The small child smiled. The teenage couple giggled as they squeezed each other. The priest closed her eyes and cupped her hands. Others seemed to accept what was going on until an angry interloper interrupted the scene voicing jealousy.

How does "consciousness" relate to thoughts or understanding? Does it relate to ideas or inspiration or perhaps feelings of acceptance or denial. 30% of us have toxoplasmosis. How does that affect consciousness? Germs in your tummy use the vagus nerve to satiate the cravings that you've established. Do blood glucose levels or hormones affect consciousness?

There are direct ways to explore the nature of consciousness. Typically that exploration has a positive effect on one's mental condition, improving hygiene and clarity. Still, meditation is a very tough and fairly slow route. A retreat is helpful from time to time. Practice is essential to slow the internal reactivity (ego).

[kx]

And to rent vapor books that vanish after 12 months for extremely high prices.

[doubtaxcrooks]

Why don't I believe in God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in You.