logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2022
1h 6m

Are we living in a simulation?

Vox
About this episode
Sean Illing talks with philosopher David Chalmers about virtual worlds and the nature of reality, and other topics that stem from Chalmers's new book Reality+. In this far-reaching discussion, Sean and Prof. Chalmers get into the makeup of human consciousness, the question of whether we're living in a computer simulation, and — of course — The Matrix. Are di ... Show More
Up next
Sep 14
Is starting a family becoming impossible?
Why does it feel so hard to start a family today? How much of that is truly a personal choice? In this episode of The Gray Area, guest host Christine Emba sits down with journalist Anna Louise Sussman to discuss her new book, Inconceivable: The Impossibility of Family in an Age o ... Show More
58m 1s
Sep 11
The millennial midlife crisis
Is "adulthood" a moving target? For millennials, hitting the milestones of the past — homeownership, secure careers, and financial independence — feels tougher than ever. We aren't just having our individual midlife crises; we are simultaneously navigating economic, cultural, and ... Show More
49m 55s
Sep 7
How to be less neurotic
If you could change anything about your personality, anything at all, what would it be? And why would you want to change it? Writer Olga Khazan spent a year trying to answer those questions, and documented the experience in her new book Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of ... Show More
39m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2022
REALITY+: Are We Living in a Simulation?
Philosopher David Chalmers reckons there’s a 25% chance that we are living in a simulation. And he’s OK with it. David's new book is "Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy." To hear an extended version of this episode, download the Next Big Idea app: https://nex ... Show More
1h 8m
Dec 2021
Cosmic Queries – Living in a Simulation with Nick Bostrom
<p>Are we in a simulation? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice take a deep dive into simulation theory, consciousness, and free will with Oxford theorist Nick Bostrom. Is this The Matrix? </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this ent ... Show More
53m 48s
Jul 2025
ScienceStuff, with Jorge Cham
Are we living in a simulation? What's the future of AI? How can humans understand the past, present, and future of the universe -- assuming, of course, that time exists? In this interview segment, Ben, Matt and Noel welcome special guest Dr. Jorge Cham, the creator of the new hit ... Show More
1h 4m
May 2022
Episode 237: Glitches Ain't Shit
<p>David and Tamler explore the many variations of simulation theory, the view that our universe is just a computer generated model created by an advanced civilization that has reached "technological maturity." What does the growing popularity of simulation theories reveal about ... Show More
1h 43m
Jan 2024
76 - Do We Live in a Simulation?
<p>Is the world around us real, or are we living in someone&apos;s computer program?<br/><br/>Our new merch is available here: https://www.shalmawegsman.com/why-this-universe<br/><br/>For ask-us-anything segments and other exclusives, join us for just $3 a month on Patreon: https ... Show More
37m 59s
Jul 2022
Is the Universe a Simulation?
What if everything around you, the people, the places, even your own thoughts, was coded into existence?The simulation theory isn't just science fiction anymore. Some of the greatest minds in physics, philosophy, and technology believe there is a real probability that our entire ... Show More
14m 10s