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Episode 19 – Science Fiction: Reality vs. Illusion

Episode 19 – Science Fiction: Reality vs. Illusion

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In this episode, we explore how science fiction isn't just escapist entertainment but a vital lens through which we interpret scientific and social complexities. Drawing from 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Yuval Noah Harari critiques popular sci-fi narratives—especially those centered on AI, virtual reality, and the myth of a pure, authentic self. Referencing works like Inside Out and Brave New World, Harari challenges the notion of free will, proposing that what we call the “self” may be little more than a construct shaped by biology and social influence. Instead of trying to escape a simulated reality, perhaps our most meaningful quest lies in understanding our minds and the systems that shape us.

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