Episode
#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
3:23:17
Published: Sun Jun 12 2022
Description
Donald Hoffman is a cognitive scientist at UC Irvine and author of The Case Against Reality. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Calm: https://calm.com/lex to get 40% off - LMNT: https://drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Indeed: https://indeed.com/lex to get $75 credit EPISODE LINKS: Donald's Twitter: https://twitter.com/donalddhoffman Donald's Website: http://cogsci.uci.edu/~ddhoff/ Documents & Articles: 1. Could a Neuroscientist Understand a Microprocessor?: https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005268 2. Conscious Agent Networks: https://chrisfieldsresearch.com/CA-circuits-CSR-rev2.pdf 3. The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Argument in Quantum Theory: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qt-epr/ Books: 1. The Case Against Reality: https://amzn.to/3MhW4Wt 2. Vision: https://amzn.to/3Q4ibTm 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/lexfridman - 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 (08:04) - Case against reality (19:33) - Spacetime (43:57) - Reductionism (1:04:23) - Evolutionary game theory (1:32:46) - Consciousness (2:28:06) - Visualizing reality (2:43:23) - Ephemerality of life (2:51:48) - Simulation theory (2:57:30) - Difficult ideas (3:12:32) - Love (3:16:07) - Advice for young people (3:18:26) - Meaning of life
Chapters
This podcast episode discusses the benefits of guided meditation for mental focus and explores interesting ideas, including those of Donald Hoffman.
00:00 - 02:59 (02:59)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the benefits of guided meditation for mental focus and explores interesting ideas, including those of Donald Hoffman. The episode also includes an advertisement for Element, an electrolyte supplement for low-carb diets.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of building a team that excites you and the value of tracking personal health with data through measuring various markers like blood and DNA data for improvement are discussed.
03:00 - 08:03 (05:02)
Summary
The importance of building a team that excites you and the value of tracking personal health with data through measuring various markers like blood and DNA data for improvement are discussed.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast explores the concept of how perception limits our understanding of reality and how probability theory and natural selection play a role in shaping our sensory systems.
08:03 - 17:59 (09:56)
Summary
The podcast explores the concept of how perception limits our understanding of reality and how probability theory and natural selection play a role in shaping our sensory systems.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Physicists are searching for new mathematical structures beyond space-time to explain how particles cannot be fundamental in space-time using Einstein's gravity and quantum field theory.
17:59 - 23:21 (05:22)
Summary
Physicists are searching for new mathematical structures beyond space-time to explain how particles cannot be fundamental in space-time using Einstein's gravity and quantum field theory.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Physicists are making informed guesses about deeper structures that could explain what we're seeing in space-time without the commitments we have to make like locality, which is revealing a new world beyond space-time.
23:21 - 32:28 (09:06)
Summary
Physicists are making informed guesses about deeper structures that could explain what we're seeing in space-time without the commitments we have to make like locality, which is revealing a new world beyond space-time.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode explores the potential benefits of connecting cryptocurrency to reality, and the implications from an evolutionary psychology perspective.
32:29 - 36:06 (03:37)
Summary
This podcast episode explores the potential benefits of connecting cryptocurrency to reality, and the implications from an evolutionary psychology perspective.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, theoretical physicist and data consultant Christof Koch talks about the mysteries around space-time and consciousness, the Necker cube, and the existence of objective truth.
36:06 - 41:05 (04:59)
Summary
In this podcast, theoretical physicist and data consultant Christof Koch talks about the mysteries around space-time and consciousness, the Necker cube, and the existence of objective truth.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode dives into the ontology of spacetime and reductionism's methodology in finding more fundamental laws as we move to smaller scales.
41:06 - 48:13 (07:07)
Summary
This episode dives into the ontology of spacetime and reductionism's methodology in finding more fundamental laws as we move to smaller scales. The conversation also touches on physicists' attempts to think beyond spacetime's assumption, looking for data structures underneath it all.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode discusses the relationship between evolution and deeper theories of reality proposed by physicists.
48:13 - 56:03 (07:49)
Summary
This episode discusses the relationship between evolution and deeper theories of reality proposed by physicists. It raises questions about the role of evolution in understanding these theories and their purpose in explaining deeper levels of reality beyond space-time.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The exploration of space and time will lead to remarkable insights and technological innovations.
56:03 - 1:03:39 (07:35)
Summary
The exploration of space and time will lead to remarkable insights and technological innovations. There will never be an end to the exploration, leading to great job security for scientists and a fundamental fact about consciousness.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The guest raises questions about the usefulness of game theory and its generalization tools like evolutionary graph theory and quantum game theory for reasoning about the world.
1:03:39 - 1:16:13 (12:34)
Summary
The guest raises questions about the usefulness of game theory and its generalization tools like evolutionary graph theory and quantum game theory for reasoning about the world.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Dr. Adrian Bejan talks about the evolution of game theory and how physics plays a huge role in biology and the creation of fitness payoffs for organisms.
1:16:13 - 1:21:10 (04:57)
Summary
Dr. Adrian Bejan talks about the evolution of game theory and how physics plays a huge role in biology and the creation of fitness payoffs for organisms.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of time might not exist in a deeper theory than space-time, and the dynamics of this deeper theory lead to the emergence of space-time and evolution by natural selection.
1:21:10 - 1:27:18 (06:07)
Summary
The concept of time might not exist in a deeper theory than space-time, and the dynamics of this deeper theory lead to the emergence of space-time and evolution by natural selection. Understanding the origin of evolution may require developing a deeper theory that does not rely on space and time notions.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Lex Friedman and Joscha Bach discuss the concept of symbolic interfaces and their role in our perception of reality, as well as why the portal to consciousness is clearer for humans than it is for animals or particles.
1:27:18 - 1:32:52 (05:34)
Summary
Lex Friedman and Joscha Bach discuss the concept of symbolic interfaces and their role in our perception of reality, as well as why the portal to consciousness is clearer for humans than it is for animals or particles.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast explores how consciousness emerges from fundamental physical entities such as space, time, and particles, and how different philosophical attitudes compare in their explanations of consciousness.
1:32:52 - 1:38:53 (06:00)
Summary
This podcast explores how consciousness emerges from fundamental physical entities such as space, time, and particles, and how different philosophical attitudes compare in their explanations of consciousness. The reductionist and panpsychist perspectives are discussed.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Physicists are finding that there are fundamental structures beyond space and time which project back into it, going against the misconception that being smaller in space and time is a fundamental nature of reality.
1:38:53 - 1:45:51 (06:58)
Summary
Physicists are finding that there are fundamental structures beyond space and time which project back into it, going against the misconception that being smaller in space and time is a fundamental nature of reality.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Conscious Agent Networks are mathematical structures that can be used to build memory and create primitive forms of learning.
1:45:51 - 1:53:14 (07:22)
Summary
Conscious Agent Networks are mathematical structures that can be used to build memory and create primitive forms of learning. As these networks of conscious agents interact, they satisfy the definition of a conscious agent which can help in building a more comprehensive understanding of consciousness.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept that consciousness may exist beyond our structures of space and time is explored through the theory of conscious agents.
1:53:14 - 2:01:10 (07:55)
Summary
The concept that consciousness may exist beyond our structures of space and time is explored through the theory of conscious agents. The mathematical structure outside space-time is postulated to be the basis for the possibilities of consciousness.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker discusses the concept of a probability space for conscious experiences and the fundamental mechanism of consciousness.
2:01:09 - 2:06:49 (05:39)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker discusses the concept of a probability space for conscious experiences and the fundamental mechanism of consciousness. They propose the idea that consciousness creates the brain rather than the brain creating consciousness.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The theorem states that any projection made of a stationary Markovian dynamics by conditional probability will result in the induced image of that Markov chain to have increased entropy, due to the Markov property and conditioning reducing entropy.
2:06:49 - 2:14:39 (07:50)
Summary
The theorem states that any projection made of a stationary Markovian dynamics by conditional probability will result in the induced image of that Markov chain to have increased entropy, due to the Markov property and conditioning reducing entropy. The use of a network of conscious agents as a probability space with the Markovian dynamics can aid in understanding this concept.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, the speaker delves into the Projection Theory of Consciousness, which posits that limited resources give rise to time, which then gives rise to evolution by natural selection, and how networks of conscious agents give rise to this evolution even if they aren't resource limited.
2:14:39 - 2:23:01 (08:21)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker delves into the Projection Theory of Consciousness, which posits that limited resources give rise to time, which then gives rise to evolution by natural selection, and how networks of conscious agents give rise to this evolution even if they aren't resource limited.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode delves into the debate on whether consciousness can be reduced to physical systems, discussing different viewpoints and their implications.
2:23:01 - 2:28:13 (05:11)
Summary
This episode delves into the debate on whether consciousness can be reduced to physical systems, discussing different viewpoints and their implications.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host wonders if it's possible to visualize consciousness as we visualize space, time and physical particles.
2:28:13 - 2:34:05 (05:52)
Summary
The podcast host wonders if it's possible to visualize consciousness as we visualize space, time and physical particles. He investigates how taking substances like DMT or LSD can help to build an intuition and touch a deep truth in a subjective way.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the guest suggests that there are fundamental things beyond space-time which are vital to our understanding of how the universe works, which may be found through the exploration of deeper consciousness.
2:34:05 - 2:43:50 (09:44)
Summary
In this podcast, the guest suggests that there are fundamental things beyond space-time which are vital to our understanding of how the universe works, which may be found through the exploration of deeper consciousness.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode explores the ephemeral nature of objects and reminds us not to be attached to them, including our own bodies, as our sense of self and importance should not be defined by the material possessions we have.
2:43:50 - 2:50:05 (06:15)
Summary
This episode explores the ephemeral nature of objects and reminds us not to be attached to them, including our own bodies, as our sense of self and importance should not be defined by the material possessions we have.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussing the engineering vs scientific problem with creating a low cost product and the idea of the universe being a simulation.
2:50:05 - 2:56:55 (06:49)
Summary
Discussing the engineering vs scientific problem with creating a low cost product and the idea of the universe being a simulation.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of reality can be complex and overwhelming, especially when considering the implications of Einstein's discoveries such as the speed of light and black holes.
2:56:55 - 3:05:31 (08:35)
Summary
The concept of reality can be complex and overwhelming, especially when considering the implications of Einstein's discoveries such as the speed of light and black holes. It is crucial to acknowledge that the stories we tell ourselves about our lives often oversimplify the way things work, and we must pay attention to the complexities around us.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker reflects on his personal struggle with attachment in relation to various physical entities and how observation creates fact in quantum theory.
3:05:31 - 3:09:24 (03:53)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker reflects on his personal struggle with attachment in relation to various physical entities and how observation creates fact in quantum theory. He acknowledges his internal rebellion against these ideas and references the work of Chris Fuchs in quantum Bayesianism as a means of setting up predictions.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of love has a deeper sense beyond sexual relationships, fundamental to spiritual traditions and personal growth.
3:09:25 - 3:14:55 (05:29)
Summary
The concept of love has a deeper sense beyond sexual relationships, fundamental to spiritual traditions and personal growth. Understanding it requires comparing scientific findings with spiritual practices.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of waking up to our true identity as the author of space and time, and the mathematical theory of conscious agents, align with spiritual traditions pointing in that same direction.
3:14:55 - 3:20:12 (05:17)
Summary
The concept of waking up to our true identity as the author of space and time, and the mathematical theory of conscious agents, align with spiritual traditions pointing in that same direction.
Episode#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
During a difficult moment in Don's life, he discusses with a long-term fan philosophies on consciousness and enlightenment.
3:20:12 - 3:23:32 (03:20)
Summary
During a difficult moment in Don's life, he discusses with a long-term fan philosophies on consciousness and enlightenment.