What if consciousness, much like the architectural 'spandrels' we talked about before, isn't actually crucial to our survival? Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Lewontin argued that some traits might just be byproducts, not directly selected for their utility. We'll unravel this thread by retracing the steps of René Descartes on a cold night in 1619 when he conceived ideas that challenged our understanding of reality. Was his revelation in a cozy 'oven' room the birth of modern philosophy, or a deeper insight into the illusions crafted by our own minds? Descartes' meditations prompted us to doubt our senses and the very nature of reality, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, our lives are nothing but elaborate deceptions.

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Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

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Music in this Episode

• Ghost by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Steppin Into by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Lilywhite by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

Do our thoughts serve a purpose, or are they just a byproduct of something deeper? Consciousness studies bridge the realms of philosophy and science. Are we truly aware, or is it all just an illusion?

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

• Horn Haze by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Gentle Heart by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Grebe by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com

In this episode, we delve into the mysterious world of consciousness, a mystery that resides within the depths of our minds. We'll explore the physical and philosophical theories of consciousness, from the brain's intricate processes to the elusive concept of qualia.

Please consider becoming a show Patron to help keep new episodes coming!

Evolution Talk is also a book! You can find links to Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others on the front page of EvolutionTalk.com, or call your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy.

Music in this Episode

• Caterpillar Tunnel by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Netherland by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Dark Water by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
  
• Kitten by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com
• Twinkle Toes by Podington Bear, License (CC BY 3.0): Artist website: soundofpicture.com