Question Reality! Science, Philosophy, and the Search for Meaning

Question Reality! Science, Philosophy, and the Search for Meaning

We will trace the evolution of ideas about the nature of reality in philosophy and the natural sciences through the ages. Starting with the philosophers of Ancient Greece and ending with cutting edge theories about the universe, quantum physics, and the nature of consciousness.

Learners who complete this course will be able to:

A. Communicate with others about the latest scientific discoveries in various disciplines including cosmology, quantum physics, mathematics, machine intelligence and cognitive science.

B. Identify key points in history where scientific advances changed humanity’s philosophy and understanding of the nature of reality and our place in the Universe.

C. Reflect on and examine their own worldview and identify if any changes occurred during this course.

D. Confidently argue about scientific evidence, philosophical viewpoints, and others’ interpretations of both.

E. Demonstrate how the scientific method works, its limitations, and how scientists use it to construct knowledge about physical reality.

Join world-renowned physicist and author Marcelo Gleiser and leading experts as we explore how philosophers and physicists from Plato to Einstein and many others have attempted to explain the nature of the world and of reality.

This course will be offered in both English and Portuguese. Videos will have subtitles,discussions will be supported in both languages, as will all assignments.