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Exploring Metaphysics  By  cover art

Exploring Metaphysics

By: David K. Johnson, The Great Courses
Narrated by: David K. Johnson
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Publisher's summary

This mind-bending tour of metaphysics applies philosophy to the forefront of today's knowledge. Over the course of 24 fascinating lectures, Professor Johnson thinks through the big questions about humans and the universe: The relationship between the mind and the brain, how consciousness emerges from neurochemical processes, the existence of God, human free will, the possibility of time travel, and whether we live in a multiverse or even a computer simulation.

Drawing from the realms of psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and philosophy, the first half of the course examines the defining traits of being human. You'll explore the connection between brains and minds, as well as the nature of the self, time, and human free will.

The second half of the course shifts from the nature of the individual to the nature of the universe. Here metaphysics, science, and theology all intersect as you consider the existence of God, the science behind relativity, and the bizarre-even spooky-world of quantum mechanics.

Although the subject has ancient roots, the metaphysics you study in this course is far from an esoteric system of thought. Indeed, this material is very much alive today-at the forefront of philosophy, physics, and medical technology. When you complete this course, you will have a much richer perspective on the world around you. Virtually every lecture will challenge some of your bedrock beliefs about yourself and the universe.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

What listeners say about Exploring Metaphysics

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Metaphysical Philosophy...

I had a different view of metaphysics before I began this audiobook. A more limited view. Now I feel I have a more expanded view... and I am grateful for it.

I'd personally have called this program philosophical metaphysics, to more clearly link the material to philosophy. Notwithstanding this aberration, it was truly an educational and interesting listen. I highly recommend anyone reflecting on reality have s listen.

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Best philosophy lessons ever

I will have to listen to this once again some time. It was really mind blowig

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Open your mind

Very thought provoking. The course covers a range of subjects and intriguing topics that could keep you in discussion for years!
Really a worthwhile and engaging listen.

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Great, and mindbending

This is definitely a book that burned a few million the neurons. And despite the intellectual challenges that I experienced, I can honestly say I am much wiser about the nature of our universe and of ourselves than I previously was.

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One of the best lecture series so far

I didn't care much for my philosophy classes in college, so I didn't have high expectations going in. However, this lecture series was phenomenal. It laid out the core concepts of metaphysics, walked through a huge variety of theories including their issues, and made it very clear that there's no one "right" answer; these are largely thought experiments that encourage you to actively challenge your preconceived notions on everything from what it means to be "you" to the very nature of our universe.

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David Johnson does an amazing job again

he does amazing job breaking down complex topics into manageable chunks that normal people can understand.

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Worth a listen. not really news

yeah it was good to listen to but a lot of it is rehashed from physics and other science areas.

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Excellent

I have asked these questions many times in my life, although the answers are not black and white, this course helps you to gain a better perspective on the subject. I would recommend this for anyone who likes philosophical debates.

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Engaging, interesting and applicable to science and life in so many ways

Good delivery of material.
Shared in a 'hey, check this out and try it on for size' kind of way.
Great summary of the most recent advances science and it how this affects perspectives in metaphysics.
You can really imagine the scenarios.
Engaging.
I recommend this audiobook.

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Metaphysics

Highly complex philosophy broken into straight forward framework. Suggest that you reserve this for listening with very little outside distractions.

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