Hard Science — April 26, 2020

New hypothesis argues the universe simulates itself into existence

This article has been retracted.

Credit: Quantum Gravity Institute

Tetrahedrons representing the quasicrystalline spin network (QSN), the fundamental substructure of spacetime, according to emergence theory.

The content of this article has been removed because it does not meet Big Think’s editorial standards.

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consciousness mind philosophy physics quantum mechanics reality space universe

In this article

consciousness mind philosophy physics quantum mechanics reality space universe

a portrait of a man with a neon light around his face.

Thinking

The Axial Age: When the greatest minds walked the Earth

Plato, Sun Tzu, and Buddha all lived in a “golden age” of philosophy that laid the foundation of modern thought.

A woman climbing up the side of a mountain.

Thinking

Surrogate activities and why we crave adventure in a comfortable world

A part of human nature needs to be challenged and feel strong. Today, we fulfill that need with “surrogate activities.”

a painting of a woman shaking hands with a man.

Thinking

Philosophy obsesses about death. Instead, we need “natality” — a focus on birth

A philosophy of birth can offset the prevailing narrative around extinction and mortality.

a flock of pink birds flying through a cloudy sky.

The Well

Groupthink is for mindless pawns, but group thinking will push humanity further

“Groupthink” gets a bad rap. In reality, we need groups to focus our thinking and to build on the ideas of others.

Thinking

Peter Singer on the conversation that forever changed his life

Within a month of that initial conversation, Peter Singer became a vegetarian.

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