Episode
#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
3:01:49
Published: Mon Dec 28 2020
Description
Diana Walsh Pasulka is a professor of philosophy and religion at UNCW and author of American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, and Technology. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - LMNT: https://drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free shipping - Grammarly: https://grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium - Business Wars: https://wondery.com/business-wars/ - Cash App: https://cash.app/ and use code LexPodcast to get $10 EPISODE LINKS: Diana's Website: https://uncw.edu/par/faculty/faculty-pasulka.html American Cosmic (book): https://amzn.to/3aK2kaj PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (08:28) - What is real? (13:56) - Can beliefs become reality? (18:59) - Donald Hoffman (22:57) - Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (26:27) - Ayn Rand (33:25) - How do religions start? (48:38) - Religion is an evolutionary advantage (53:59) - Religion used in propaganda (58:32) - What did Nietzsche mean by "God is Dead"? (1:03:59) - American Cosmic (1:07:45) - What do aliens look like? (1:16:28) - History of space programs (1:19:30) - Jacques Vallee (1:28:55) - Artificial intelligence (1:34:25) - Ufology community (1:45:38) - Psychedelics (1:49:35) - Tic Tac UFO (1:58:09) - Roswell UFO incident (2:09:14) - Bob Lazar (2:12:50) - Monoliths in the desert (2:23:39) - Humans will co-evolve with AI (2:26:58) - Neuralink (2:31:48) - Singularity (2:41:39) - Books: Nietzsche (2:46:44) - Books: Hannah Arendt (2:51:43) - Fear of death (2:56:11) - Meaning of life
Chapters
This episode discusses the mysterious and fascinating belief in technology and extraterrestrial intelligence, and its potential to help us understand our own minds and consciousness.
00:00 - 05:18 (05:18)
Summary
This episode discusses the mysterious and fascinating belief in technology and extraterrestrial intelligence, and its potential to help us understand our own minds and consciousness. It also briefly mentions the sponsor, Element, an electrolyte drink mix.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of belief is defined in different ways and can be a dictating factor for our actions.
05:18 - 10:44 (05:25)
Summary
The concept of belief is defined in different ways and can be a dictating factor for our actions. The fragility of having an open mind and heart is highlighted in a discussion about the destruction perpetuated by the world.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the accuracy of beliefs and how they correspond to reality, using the example of hiring professors to explore the nature of reality, such as gravity.
10:44 - 15:03 (04:19)
Summary
The speaker discusses the accuracy of beliefs and how they correspond to reality, using the example of hiring professors to explore the nature of reality, such as gravity.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church held the belief that women were soulless beings.
15:03 - 18:05 (03:02)
Summary
For over a thousand years, the Catholic Church held the belief that women were soulless beings. This belief persisted alongside their understanding of purgatory, hell and heaven.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of technology as an extension of our senses applies not only to our direct senses, but to the countless tools we utilize to measure and understand the universe.
18:05 - 22:09 (04:03)
Summary
The concept of technology as an extension of our senses applies not only to our direct senses, but to the countless tools we utilize to measure and understand the universe. Despite our tools, however, we are still detached from the true reality of the physics around us.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the philosophical question, "Can we know the thing in itself?"
22:09 - 25:55 (03:46)
Summary
The podcast discusses the philosophical question, "Can we know the thing in itself?" with reference to the works of Kant, and debates on whether it is possible to know what's real. The speaker expresses hope in the potential of our instruments to help us overcome the limitations of knowledge.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their frustrations with academic philosophy, comparing it to mathematical word problems, and their personal views on Nietzsche's potential sexism.
25:55 - 33:14 (07:19)
Summary
The speaker discusses their frustrations with academic philosophy, comparing it to mathematical word problems, and their personal views on Nietzsche's potential sexism. They also briefly touch on Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Author and philosopher Massimo Pigliucci explores the idea of the UFO narrative as a myth and draws parallels to ancient philosophical ideas.
33:14 - 37:55 (04:40)
Summary
Author and philosopher Massimo Pigliucci explores the idea of the UFO narrative as a myth and draws parallels to ancient philosophical ideas.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussion about Jimi Hendrix's vision of creating an "Electric Church" where music could be a spiritual experience for people and how people believed in it because of the credibility of the musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Lex.
37:55 - 41:35 (03:40)
Summary
Discussion about Jimi Hendrix's vision of creating an "Electric Church" where music could be a spiritual experience for people and how people believed in it because of the credibility of the musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Lex.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Council of Nicaea decided that there was one universal form of Christianity that would be adopted, and this essentially asked people to abandon their previous beliefs to have a true experience of the thing in itself.
41:35 - 46:11 (04:36)
Summary
The Council of Nicaea decided that there was one universal form of Christianity that would be adopted, and this essentially asked people to abandon their previous beliefs to have a true experience of the thing in itself. Contact experience and the importance of experiencing things for oneself were emphasized.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss the definition of religion as a set of beliefs and practices inspired by a transformative and sacred power, and emphasize the importance of both belief and practice in religion.
46:11 - 51:51 (05:40)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speakers discuss the definition of religion as a set of beliefs and practices inspired by a transformative and sacred power, and emphasize the importance of both belief and practice in religion.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Filmmaker Werner Herzog and journalist Paul Holdengräber discuss the evolving nature of religiosity, its use in propaganda by dictators, and its complement to empirical pursuits.
51:51 - 58:02 (06:10)
Summary
Filmmaker Werner Herzog and journalist Paul Holdengräber discuss the evolving nature of religiosity, its use in propaganda by dictators, and its complement to empirical pursuits.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The philosopher Nietzsche's statement "God is Dead" was a historical statement made during a time of scientific advancement and industrialization, indicating that the idea of a higher being beyond physical reality was no longer relevant.
58:02 - 1:03:51 (05:49)
Summary
The philosopher Nietzsche's statement "God is Dead" was a historical statement made during a time of scientific advancement and industrialization, indicating that the idea of a higher being beyond physical reality was no longer relevant. Nietzsche's statement also addressed the idea of external intelligences, a common theme in many religions.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker ponders the idea of building myths around experiences with subpar drone technology and questions the potential for humans to interact with extraterrestrial technology through consciousness.
1:03:51 - 1:12:17 (08:25)
Summary
The speaker ponders the idea of building myths around experiences with subpar drone technology and questions the potential for humans to interact with extraterrestrial technology through consciousness.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Joe Rogan and his guest delve into the topic of non-human intelligence communication, discussing the various forms it can take such as hallucinations, drugs, and even muses.
1:12:17 - 1:16:43 (04:26)
Summary
Joe Rogan and his guest delve into the topic of non-human intelligence communication, discussing the various forms it can take such as hallucinations, drugs, and even muses.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses how non-human intelligences may have influenced the development of advanced technologies such as rocket science and created new forms of spirituality.
1:16:43 - 1:22:55 (06:12)
Summary
The podcast discusses how non-human intelligences may have influenced the development of advanced technologies such as rocket science and created new forms of spirituality.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of consciousness is still relatively unexplored in computer science research, but some believe it could have medical applications like helping people quit smoking or treating diseases.
1:22:55 - 1:33:44 (10:49)
Summary
The concept of consciousness is still relatively unexplored in computer science research, but some believe it could have medical applications like helping people quit smoking or treating diseases. However, the idea of super artificial intelligence with autonomous consciousness is still being talked about primarily in philosophical spaces.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Exploring the world of UFOs and the "invisible college" of ufologists who study them.
1:33:45 - 1:39:11 (05:26)
Summary
Exploring the world of UFOs and the "invisible college" of ufologists who study them. While some believe it's related to the evolutionary process, there are many different groups researching this phenomena who tend not to share their findings on the internet.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea that alien technology exists has been adopted by many individuals, and while it is unknown if the technology is truly alien, it is believed that with human belief systems, new technologies may emerge.
1:39:11 - 1:45:30 (06:18)
Summary
The idea that alien technology exists has been adopted by many individuals, and while it is unknown if the technology is truly alien, it is believed that with human belief systems, new technologies may emerge.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the use of psychedelics and their potential to explore ideas and experiences outside of our conventional understanding of the world, including the possibility that they could lead to similar experiences as those reported in UFO sightings.
1:45:30 - 1:51:18 (05:47)
Summary
The speaker discusses the use of psychedelics and their potential to explore ideas and experiences outside of our conventional understanding of the world, including the possibility that they could lead to similar experiences as those reported in UFO sightings.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of money often allows us to forget the important aspects of life, such as our own mortality and the intellectual work of thinking deeply about the world.
1:51:19 - 1:57:18 (05:59)
Summary
The use of money often allows us to forget the important aspects of life, such as our own mortality and the intellectual work of thinking deeply about the world. While it is important to have enough money to nourish ourselves, it can also be compared to a drug that makes us forget what truly matters.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Religious studies professor discusses the religious implications of the Roswell incident, including the idea of non-human intelligent beings having contact with humans and the religious-like pilgrimage and festival held in Roswell each year.
1:57:18 - 2:04:23 (07:05)
Summary
Religious studies professor discusses the religious implications of the Roswell incident, including the idea of non-human intelligent beings having contact with humans and the religious-like pilgrimage and festival held in Roswell each year.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Diana Pasulka shares her experience of visiting the Vatican Observatory and looking at the canonization records of two saints.
2:04:23 - 2:08:45 (04:21)
Summary
Diana Pasulka shares her experience of visiting the Vatican Observatory and looking at the canonization records of two saints. Later, she received a frantic phone call asking about the location of the original Kepler telescope.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Some believe Bob Lazar's story on the reverse engineering work he did on nine flying saucers for the US government, while others are questioning his claims.
2:08:45 - 2:14:14 (05:29)
Summary
Some believe Bob Lazar's story on the reverse engineering work he did on nine flying saucers for the US government, while others are questioning his claims. He expressed regret on making his tale public in a podcast interview.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that intelligent civilizations that are able to travel across space have evolved past aggression and now lean towards deep cooperation.
2:14:14 - 2:23:35 (09:20)
Summary
The speaker believes that intelligent civilizations that are able to travel across space have evolved past aggression and now lean towards deep cooperation. Additionally, he suggests Robert Ager's theory for the meaning of the monolith to those interested.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the unpredictable nature of digital technology and the error in stating that we use it, when it may actually be using us.
2:23:35 - 2:29:57 (06:21)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the unpredictable nature of digital technology and the error in stating that we use it, when it may actually be using us.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion revolves around the idea of the Singularity, where technology surpasses humanity's ability to comprehend and control it.
2:29:57 - 2:36:41 (06:44)
Summary
The discussion revolves around the idea of the Singularity, where technology surpasses humanity's ability to comprehend and control it. Some see this as a new phase in human evolution, while others view it as a religious revelation.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The singularity may be the shedding of our material existence through the use of information and technology that has already significantly transformed our world.
2:36:41 - 2:43:52 (07:11)
Summary
The singularity may be the shedding of our material existence through the use of information and technology that has already significantly transformed our world.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Hannah Rent, a lesser-known philosopher who survived the Holocaust, and Foucault, a French philosopher known for his concept of genealogy, are discussed in this podcast episode about the ever-changing nature of truth.
2:43:52 - 2:47:04 (03:12)
Summary
Hannah Rent, a lesser-known philosopher who survived the Holocaust, and Foucault, a French philosopher known for his concept of genealogy, are discussed in this podcast episode about the ever-changing nature of truth.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The transcript discusses the ideas of philosopher Hannah Arendt and her beliefs about evil, thoughtlessness, and how they relate to the actions of society.
2:47:04 - 2:51:37 (04:32)
Summary
The transcript discusses the ideas of philosopher Hannah Arendt and her beliefs about evil, thoughtlessness, and how they relate to the actions of society.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The fear of death is an important component in the development of human understanding of the world.
2:51:37 - 2:56:04 (04:26)
Summary
The fear of death is an important component in the development of human understanding of the world. People should not be too confident about their lives and should accept the inevitability of death.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Diana and her guest explore the unanswerable question of the meaning of life and whether certain things, such as love, are intrinsic to our existence.
2:56:04 - 2:58:37 (02:33)
Summary
Diana and her guest explore the unanswerable question of the meaning of life and whether certain things, such as love, are intrinsic to our existence.
Episode#149 – Diana Walsh Pasulka: Aliens, Technology, Religion, and the Nature of Belief
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the intrinsic property of meaning in life forms which appears to be present in all living organisms, including intelligent alien civilizations and takes various forms depending on the complexity of the life form.
2:58:37 - 3:01:29 (02:52)
Summary
The podcast discusses the intrinsic property of meaning in life forms which appears to be present in all living organisms, including intelligent alien civilizations and takes various forms depending on the complexity of the life form.