349. Bernardo Kastrup, 2nd Interview - a podcast by Rick Archer

Bernardo Kastrup has a Ph.D. in computer engineering with specializations in artificial intelligence and reconfigurable computing. He has worked as a scientist in some of the world's foremost research laboratories, including the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Philips Research Laboratories (where the"Casimir Effect"of Quantum Field Theory was discovered). Bernardo has authored many scientific papers and philosophy books. His three most recent books are: More Than Allegory, Brief Peeks Beyond, and Why Materialism Is Baloney. He has also been an entrepreneur and founder of a successful high-tech start-up. Next to a managerial position in the high-tech industry, Bernardo maintains a philosophy blog, a video interview series, and continues to develop his ideas about the nature of reality. He has lived and worked in four different countries across continents, currently residing in the Netherlands.

Books:Why Materialism Is Baloney: How True Skeptics Know There Is No Death and Fathom Answers to life, the Universe, and Everything
Meaning in Absurdity: What bizarre phenomena can tell us about the nature of realityDreamed Up Reality: Diving into the Mind to Uncover the Astonishing Hidden Tale of Nature
Rationalist Spirituality: An exploration of the meaning of life and existence informed by logic and scienceMore Than Allegory: On Religious Myth, Truth And Belief
Important article: The Physicalist Worldview as Neurotic Ego-Defense MechanismWebsite: bernardokastrup.com
Youtube ChannelTranscript of this interview

First Batgap interview with Bernardo.Interview recorded June 4, 2016.

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.


Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to the interview
00:04:45 - The Spectrum of Religious Myths00:09:10 - The Mythical Bridge between Perception and Meaning
00:13:22 - The Misinterpretation of Vedanta and the Significance of Myths00:17:31 - Creator Deity and the Dream of Existence
00:21:41 - Myths as Contemplation of Transcendent Truths00:25:57 - The Beginner's Mind and the Contemplative Atmosphere
00:30:22 - The Symbolism in Religious Myths00:35:15 - The Richness of a Life Informed by Religious Myth
00:39:40 - Judging Reality and Symbolism00:43:56 - Lucid Dreaming and the Exploration of Reality
00:48:09 - The Role of Myth in Science00:52:23 - The Ultimate Scientific Instrument
00:56:34 - The Marriage of Science and Philosophy
01:00:50 - The Negative Influence of Religious Institutions
01:05:09 - The History of Intermediaries and the Need for Experience01:09:33 - Belief in the Power of Science
01:14:12 - The Trouble with Science Interpretation01:18:29 - Psychological Gain and the Search for Meaning
01:22:37 - The Games Scientists Play01:26:42 - Surrender and collaboration between science and spirituality
01:31:03 - Deity Yoga in Tibetan Buddhism and its relation to Advaita Vedanta01:35:00 - The Search for Meaning and the Play of Archetypes
01:38:25 - The Mystery and Magic of Life01:41:44 - The Complementarity of Intellect and Realization
01:45:20 - The Hub and the Spokes01:48:36 - Perspectives on the Nature of Reality
01:52:19 - The Qualities of Experience01:55:33 - Overcoming Existential Angst
02:01:59 - Leaving them wanting more02:02:38 - Website Features

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