Fascinating article. Here are a few thoughts, in no particular order:
1. I've read "Sapiens" too, and thought it was really interesting.
2. I think your description of the mind being so complex that it is difficult for evolutionary theory to explain was a good one. In Philosophy of Mind, equating brain states to mental states seems an intractable problem. Brian states have chemical properties that thoughts do not.
3. Have you ever read "The Genealogical Adam and Eve" by Joshua Swamidass? Josh is a friend of mine and an geneticist at Washington University in St. Louis. He argues that *genealogically speaking*, when we combine genealogies with genetic evidence, we could have an evolving population of humans, but still have one couple, Adam and Eve, that created a "genetic bottleneck" between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago, such that everyone today is descended from them. A lot of scientists on both sides of this debate have recommended it. It's one of the best books I've seen on this topic.
Thanks so much for your input, Mark! I haven’t heard of that book, but it sounds really interesting. I will definitely check it out, but just wondering if it’s more geared toward an academic, in-the-know sort of audience, or more accessible to the common folk?
It's a great piece, with cultural criticism, anthropology, theology, and film analysis woven into an incredible pattern. And the connection between Kubrick's cosmic vision and religious themes is fascinating. I've seen this movie at least three times, but after reading your article... I think I'll watch it again.
Are you familiar with Terrence McKenna's "Stoned Ape" hypothesis? I don't personally ascribe to it, but I think you might find it interesting.
I'm an atheist but I really enjoyed this article. I actually vibe a lot with Christians who are able to display the flexibility you show here. You're not afraid to play with ideas.
I'm off to watch 2001 again. It's been far too long!
Yeah, I am actually! McKenna is asking the same questions about the ‘cognitive leap’ and has come up with a pretty unorthodox answer. But I’m thinking about that piece from Matt Whitely you mentioned earlier - it really is amazing how we have this capability to experience something akin to spiritual transcendance by just ingesting a few mushrooms. I certainly can’t explain it. Why would we ‘evolve’ such a capacity, if it’s all just down to natural selection? Mysteries abound!
I, too, vibe with your stuff because you question in good faith. You’re willing to admit your biases and limitations, but still committed to putting your best foot forward no matter what - without trampling on others.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of the movie after another watch!
Fascinating intertwinings between faith and science fiction. Thanks. As for some of the specific points mentioned - I'm currently working through:
"Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe" - by Stephen C. Meyer. (Meyer is a well-credentialed scientist.)
It's been years since I viewed "Space Odyssey..." Maybe I need to try again.
A great piece Cam! Your best yet I think. Loved reading it!
Fascinating article. Here are a few thoughts, in no particular order:
1. I've read "Sapiens" too, and thought it was really interesting.
2. I think your description of the mind being so complex that it is difficult for evolutionary theory to explain was a good one. In Philosophy of Mind, equating brain states to mental states seems an intractable problem. Brian states have chemical properties that thoughts do not.
3. Have you ever read "The Genealogical Adam and Eve" by Joshua Swamidass? Josh is a friend of mine and an geneticist at Washington University in St. Louis. He argues that *genealogically speaking*, when we combine genealogies with genetic evidence, we could have an evolving population of humans, but still have one couple, Adam and Eve, that created a "genetic bottleneck" between 10,000 and 100,000 years ago, such that everyone today is descended from them. A lot of scientists on both sides of this debate have recommended it. It's one of the best books I've seen on this topic.
Thanks so much for your input, Mark! I haven’t heard of that book, but it sounds really interesting. I will definitely check it out, but just wondering if it’s more geared toward an academic, in-the-know sort of audience, or more accessible to the common folk?
Well, it's partly academic and partly accessible. You can read the accessible parts and his summaries and skip the technical genetic stuff.
It's a great piece, with cultural criticism, anthropology, theology, and film analysis woven into an incredible pattern. And the connection between Kubrick's cosmic vision and religious themes is fascinating. I've seen this movie at least three times, but after reading your article... I think I'll watch it again.
It’s a story for the ages!
You should check out Galahad Eridanus on Yt. He’s also got a Substack.
Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll definitely do that!
@eridanus on here. Sorry, forgot to mention it
Are you familiar with Terrence McKenna's "Stoned Ape" hypothesis? I don't personally ascribe to it, but I think you might find it interesting.
I'm an atheist but I really enjoyed this article. I actually vibe a lot with Christians who are able to display the flexibility you show here. You're not afraid to play with ideas.
I'm off to watch 2001 again. It's been far too long!
Yeah, I am actually! McKenna is asking the same questions about the ‘cognitive leap’ and has come up with a pretty unorthodox answer. But I’m thinking about that piece from Matt Whitely you mentioned earlier - it really is amazing how we have this capability to experience something akin to spiritual transcendance by just ingesting a few mushrooms. I certainly can’t explain it. Why would we ‘evolve’ such a capacity, if it’s all just down to natural selection? Mysteries abound!
I, too, vibe with your stuff because you question in good faith. You’re willing to admit your biases and limitations, but still committed to putting your best foot forward no matter what - without trampling on others.
Can’t wait to hear what you think of the movie after another watch!
Great piece. I read it quickly because I was eager, but I'll read it again more calmly and leave you a comment.
Much appreciated, Michael! I’m eager myself to hear what you have to say!
Fascinating intertwinings between faith and science fiction. Thanks. As for some of the specific points mentioned - I'm currently working through:
"Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe" - by Stephen C. Meyer. (Meyer is a well-credentialed scientist.)
It's been years since I viewed "Space Odyssey..." Maybe I need to try again.
Cheers and thanks again.
Thanks so much for the feedback! I’ll definitely check that book out, sounds right up my alley.