#756 Donald Hoffman: The Case Against Reality, and the Interface Theory of Perception
RECORDED ON DECEMBER 1st 2022.
Dr. Donald Hoffman is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Cognitive Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Hoffman studies consciousness, visual perception and evolutionary psychology using mathematical models and psychophysical experiments. He is the author of The Case Against Reality: Why Evolution Hid the Truth from Our Eyes.
In this episode, we focus on The Case Against Reality, and the interface theory of perception. We start by discussing the interface theory of perception, shape as an effective code for fitness, different ways of perceiving “reality”, and what is “real”. We address scientific and philosophical objections to the theory, and epistemological approaches that might differ from empirical science. We talk about simulated realities, and discuss if they are really different from what we normally perceive. We talk about the use of psychedelics; and spirits, ghosts, and gods as experiences. We ask if “truth-seeing” organisms could evolve, and if we could ever perceive objective reality. Finally, we talk about breaking the tension between science and spiritual and religious traditions.
Time Links:
Intro
The Interface Theory of Perception
Shape as an effective code for fitness. “Selection favors survival of the fitter, not of the fittest”
Different ways of perceiving “reality”
What is “real”?
Scientific objections and limitations
Epistemological approaches
Simulated realities: are they different from what we perceive?
The use of psychedelics
Spirits, ghosts, and gods as experiences
Can “truth-seeing” organisms evolve?
Could we ever perceive objective reality?
Breaking the tension between science and religion
Follow Dr. Hoffman’s work!
Follow Dr. Hoffman’s work:
Our first interview: https://youtu.be/sD0HuGVZOvQ
Faculty page: https://bit.ly/2InA3I6
Website: https://bit.ly/2XnO0Oo
ResearchGate profile: https://bit.ly/31AQ7hr
The Case Against Reality: https://amzn.to/2FgL1xf
Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wZiIP4
Twitter handle: @donalddhoffman