#168 Adam Frank - The Nature of Life, Agency & Consciousness

Astrophysicist Adam Frank is a leading expert on the final stages of evolution for stars like the sun, and his computational research group at the University of Rochester has developed advanced supercomputer tools for studying how stars form and how they die. A self-described “evangelist of science,” he is also committed to showing others the beauty and power of science, and exploring the proper context of science in culture.

summary

Adam shares insights on the nature of life, agency, consciousness, and the future of humanity in the context of science, philosophy, and contemplative practice. This episode explores profound questions about existence, the universe, and our place within it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam’s work and perspectives

01:30 What is life? The organization and organization closure of living systems

03:03 Life as a unique physical system that creates and innovates

04:24 The organization of life and Whitehead’s process philosophy

06:26 Agency, free will, and the inner landscape of contemplative practice

10:54 The historical shift away from experience in science

13:35 The subjective experience and the amnesia of science

14:23 AI, ethics, and the importance of understanding agency