Quantum Theory Podcast

Theoretical physicist Markus Müller joins us to explore algorithmic idealism - a mathematical approach to the foundations of reality that starts from observer states, rather than an objective external world. We discuss quantum theory, quantum information, universal induction, the wave function, simulation questions, and what it means to ask: “What will I see next?”

While this framework does not directly address consciousness, it raises deep questions about the role of observers, experience, and the nature of reality, sitting at the intersection of physics and philosophy.

Markus Müller's Website: https://mpmueller.net/

In this episode, cognitive psychologist Jonathan Schooler joins us to explore a radical reframing of consciousness. Schooler is a Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at UC Santa Barbara and a leading researcher on meta-awareness, mind-wandering, and conscious experience.

We dive into Schooler’s Nested Observer Window (NOW) model, examining how awareness may be layered rather than unified, how meta-awareness differs from conscious experience, and why mind-wandering offers key insight into the structure of the mind. The conversation spans openness to experience, AI and consciousness, panpsychism, the hard problem, integrated information theory, psychedelics, time, entropy, and the nature of self and purpose.

We cover a wide range of ideas in this conversation, so stay through to the end — and consider following if you’d like more long-form discussions like this.

Hierarchical consciousness: the Nested Observer Windows: https://labs.psych.ucsb.edu/schooler/jonathan/publications/2676

Three dimensions of time: An approach for reconciling the discrepancy between experienced time and modern physics: https://labs.psych.ucsb.edu/schooler/jonathan/publications/2856

META Lab: https://labs.psych.ucsb.edu/schooler/jonathan/

In this conversation, Dr. James Cooke shares his insights on consciousness, drawing from his personal awakening experience and neuroscience background. He discusses the concept of non-duality, the relational nature of reality, and the role of the brain and body in consciousness. Dr. Cooke critiques dualistic perspectives and emphasizes that consciousness is a fundamental property of life, arising from the interactions between organisms and their environments. He further contrasts his view from the extremes of idealism/panpsychism and physicalism/reductionism, and asserts a non-dual, naturalistic understanding as the "middle way".

We also delve into the intricate relationship between consciousness, object perception, and the interconnectedness of existence. Our dialogue transitions into spirituality, examining the nature of meaning and purpose in life, the nature of formless awareness, and concludes with reflections on karma and reincarnation, questioning the underlying principles that govern existence.

If the insights from this episode sparked something within you, please subscribe, like, comment & share to help further spread this message!

CHAPTERS
0:00 Coming Up
2:20 Introduction to Consciousness and Mystical Experiences
7:30 Exploring Non-Duality and Idealism
12:30 The Nature of Reality and Object Perception
18:01 Wave Function Collapse and Relational Quantum Mechanics
24:38 Consciousness as a Fundamental Property of Life
35:15 The Role of the Brain in Consciousness
44:09 Exploring Object Perception and Consciousness
47:48 Cognitive Light Cones and Awareness
51:28 The Interconnectedness of Existence
53:53 Spirituality and Meaning in Life
1:11:35 Karma, Reincarnation, and the Nature of Existence

JAMES' LINKS:
* Youtube Channel (16.2k Subs): https://www.youtube.com/@DrJamesCooke
* Personal Website: https://www.drjamescooke.com/
* Inner Space Institute: https://www.innerspaceinstitute.org/
* The Dawn of Mind Book: https://tinyurl.com/y5zt3vff

QTP LINKS:
* Website: www.quantumtheorypodcast.com
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quantumtheorypodcast
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantumtheorypodcast/
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vrI0zd8hf7tGIU8sgwmA9?si=4caecc0c7f564310
* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quantum-theory-podcast/id1780033559

Today we sit down once again with Jude Currivan, Ph.D, distinguished cosmologist, futurist, and planetary healer, to dive into the awe-inspiring origins of the universe.

Largely tracking her Nautilus Gold award winning book, "The Story of Gaia", we start from the very first moment of the big bang, journey further to early star formation and the creation of elementary particles, to the seemingly improbable formation of our perfect solar system, and to the seeding of life (likely from cosmic origins). Jude also connects the latest, cutting edge scientific discoveries with claims from ancient wisdom traditions, such as evidence emerging that a primordial "OHM" may in fact have been responsible for the propagation of our universe.

One thing from our conversation becomes clear, and it's that there undoubtedly is an intelligence beyond our comprehension fine tuning the rules of the game and carefully guiding the never-ending drive towards complexity, and ultimately, individuated self-aware beings like us.

We barely scratched the surface of the thousands of pieces of evidence that Jude offers in her book, radically turning the idea of "randomness" on its head. To get the full picture, order her book in the link below. Please enjoy the episode.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Coming Up
01:01 Introduction to Gaia and Complexity
03:35 Reframing the Big Bang: The Big Breath
12:40 The Role of Sound in the Universe's Formation
18:25 Interstellar Clouds and the Building Blocks of Life
24:13 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life
27:24 The Universe: A Sentient and Evolving Entity
29:01 The Formation of Our Solar System
36:03 The Role of Theia and the Moon
40:34 Emergence of Life and Complexity
41:01 Challenging Neo-Darwinism
50:26 The Role of Viruses in Evolution
56:53 The Meaningful Evolution of the Universe

JUDE'S LINKS:
* Personal Website: https://www.judecurrivan.com/
* Wholeworld-View Website: https://www.wholeworld-view.org/
* The Story of Gaia: https://tinyurl.com/54tc3knv

QTP LINKS:
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaredbond33
* Website: www.quantumtheorypodcast.com
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quantumtheorypodcast
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantumtheorypodcast/
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vrI0zd8hf7tGIU8sgwmA9?si=4caecc0c7f564310
* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quantum-theory-podcast/id1780033559

Today we sit down with Jacob Jolij, Ph.D, a cognitive neuroscientist, consciousness researcher, and author who puts forth a novel understanding of consciousness.

Coming from a panpsychist point of view, Jacob posits that we may not need to discard with the laws of physics as we know them to understand consciousness. He diverts from common forms of panpsychism in that his theory doesn’t suggest everything down to an atom, proton, or even a quark are inherently conscious, but rather, perhaps Qualia (conscious experience) space is a physical dimension that information processing systems move through. Perhaps further, there are Qualia associated with no experiences at all for inanimate objects.

A key feature of his approach is that it is potentially falsifiable, meaning it can actually be tested. This is a notable benefit since its a common obstacle for many theories of consciousness. We leave teleology, or the “why”, to the side, and focus more on the practicality of the theory so that it can be squarely examined within the scientific method.

We further touch on topics surrounding parapsychology (I.e. clairvoyance, precognition, telepathy, synchronicity), the multiverse, wave function collapse, and more, so make sure to watch to the end to not miss these fascinating insights.If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, comment & share to support our future endeavors!

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
1:09 Jacob Jolij's Journey into Consciousness Research
20:08 Defining Consciousness and Panpsychism
39:14 Exploring Qualia Space and Its Implications
49:32 Consciousness and Wave Function Collapse
53:11 Temporal Aspects of Qualia Space
58:40 Information Processing and Consciousness
1:07:13 Parapsychology and Random Number Generators
1:20:33 The Role of Consciousness in the Universe

JACOB'S LINKS:
* Website: https://www.jolij.com/
* Book: What Is Consciousness Anyway? (Translated): https://tinyurl.com/muwsbve7
* Research: https://tinyurl.com/y93b7fv4

QTP LINKS:
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaredbond33
* Website: www.quantumtheorypodcast.com
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@quantumtheorypodcast
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantumtheorypodcast/
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vrI0zd8hf7tGIU8sgwmA9?si=4caecc0c7f564310
* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quantum-theory-podcast/id1780033559