Paul Davies - Can We Explain Cosmos and Consciousness?

The existence of both cosmos and consciousness, each in its own way, constitute deep problems, perhaps grand mysteries beyond human knowing. Some claim that the two mysteries can only be solved in parallel, together, not in series, alone. Some base their claim on religion, a few on science, others on the belief that consciousness is the ultimate reality.

Interesting question. I’ve always felt that the universe itself is somehow conscious in a way. Maybe it’s amplified by a brain, or just altered by it. God knows. Have you ever looked into space across the millions of light years and thought “there has to be a reason for all this”?

The photo ues up in my mind the music of “Prince Ali’s entrance into Agribah” from Disney’s Aladdin!

Da di-di Daaaaaaa! Bum-bu-bu-bum bu-bu-bum bu-bu-bahhhh-bum...!

Interesting. But I think he is a Darwinist and that limits his survey. There is a growing amount of scientific evidence that points to a creator of the universe: 1) the Big Bang Theory suggest a first cause or creator of the universe; 2) The universe is too young the have the high degree of complexity and order in it arise from accident or randomness. This suggests a creator; 3) There is plenty of evidence that the universe is finely tuned to sustain life, where if the conditions or laws that govern it were out by such a slight variance (something to the power of something) life would not exist. It seems that this is purposeful, because the odds of theses life sustaining parameters happening randomly are staggeringly huge, if not impossible. Again, this points to a creator.

Consciousness is another thing entirely. Science can’t explain it. Consciousness seems to be non material in the way that numbers are non material — science can use numbers but can’t explain numbers. Maybe our bodies are a host or transport for the non materials like numbers and consciousness — we are in our car is an analogy to consciousness in our bodies. For me, all this points to a great mystery.

The existence of both cosmos and consciousness

Christianity: Consciousness created matter

marxism/secular humanism: consciousness is produced by matter + chance, or is an illusion

Ayn Rand: consciousness and physical reality are both axioms

Are beliefs that are the result of matter + chance trustworthy?

Consciousness is another thing entirely. Science can’t explain it.

Yep.

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