Redefining Reality
The Intellectual Implications of Modern Science
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Redefining Reality
Buy Now for $33.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Steven Gimbel
About this listen
No subject is bigger than reality itself, and nothing is more challenging to understand, since what counts as reality is undergoing continual revision and has been for centuries. For example, the matter that comprises all stars, planets, and living things turns out to be just a fraction of what actually exists. Moreover, we think that we control our actions, but data analytics can predict, with astonishing accuracy, when we will wake up, what we will buy, and even whom we will marry.
The quest to pin down what's real and what's illusory is both philosophical and scientific, a metaphysical search for ultimate reality that goes back to the ancient Greeks. For the last 400 years, this search has been increasingly guided by scientists, who create theories and test them in order to define and redefine reality. And we have developed the power to alter our own reality in major ways - to defeat diseases, compensate for disabilities, and augment our intellect with computers. Where is that trend going?
Experience the thrill of this exciting quest in 36 wide-ranging lectures that touch on many aspects of the ceaseless search for reality. From the birth of the universe to brain science, discover that separating the real from the illusory is an exhilarating intellectual adventure.
Scientists and philosophers are not alone in grappling, at an intellectual level, with reality. Some of the most accessible interpretations are by painters, novelists, filmmakers, and other artists whose works not only draw on the latest discoveries but also sometimes inspire them. Explore examples such as Alice in Wonderland, pointillism, cubism, surrealism, and reality TV.
And since dealing with reality is an experience we all share, this course is designed for people of all backgrounds.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2015 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2015 The Great CoursesWhat listeners say about Redefining Reality
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tom M
- 22-03-2021
Mind blowing
A fantastic insight into scientific revolutions and how they test and change the nature of reality. Great delivery, interesting anecdotes and makes some complex topics very accessible. Covers right from Greek theories to modern day and digital trends. Very comprehensive but not overwhelming.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Ken Craig
- 15-01-2018
Highly recommended as a starting point
This is an ambitious series - deftly combining science, history and philosophy. If you had no prior knowledge of these fields, this would be an incredible series. The delivery and narrative is fun. The major loose arguments, threads and themes are wound together, across lectures and millenia.
Personally, I didn't learn a lot. There is only a cursory investigation into each topic, given the breadth of content. Yet, the way in which this content is brought together is creative and inspiring.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 18-12-2018
A great listen to expand your thoughts
Good narration and subject flow.
Challenging ideas and concepts, with modern contexts.
Well worth a listen!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jake
- 11-04-2022
Brilliant and insightful
I’ve listen to this series of lectures a number of times over the past six years and each time I am reminded of just what it means to be a person in the world and what it is that we can call the world, as it shifts and morphs through the ages. Fantastic lectures and brilliant performance!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- John Simpson
- 09-10-2023
Excellent Breadth of Content
An excellent survey of the big ideas that have shaped our thinking.
Dr Gimbel does an excellent job examining a broad array of disciplines and the consequence of their ideas on our world today. Across theology, philosophy; the physical sciences, sociology; economics, and modern technology; you'll gain an appreciation of how the brain makes sense of the world and have plenty to ponder on.
This is the second course I've listened to by Dr Gimbel and I have enjoyed his narration, content and light humour on both occasions.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- david mark
- 03-03-2020
Entertaining and informative
Well presented in a clear well organised format.A very good introduction and accessible to all.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 16-03-2021
Wow, just wow
I was worried this lecture series would be too focused on some incomprehensible quantum theory. I was delighted by the broad scope and easily digestible content.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bonnie
- 06-01-2017
the only problem
the only problem with this audiobook is that it finished. it was intriguing and left you wanting more
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!