Exploring Metaphysics

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.

All Lectures:
1. How to Explore Metaphysics
2. The Mystery of the Mind and the Soul
3. Identity Theory - Token and Type
4. Functionalism and Artificial Intelligence
5. Alternative Theories of Mind
6. The Problem of Personal Identity
7. Mind, Memory, and Psychological Continuity
8. Same Body, Same Brain, and Closest Continuer
9. The No-Self Theory and Time Worms
10. The Nature of Truth and Time
11. Libertarian Free Will
12. Compatibilistic Freedom
13. Causation, Possible Worlds, and Propositions
14. God - Definition and Paradox
15. God - The Argument from Existence
16. God - The Argument from Cause
17. God - The Argument from Design
18. From Spinning Buckets to Special Relativity
19. From General Relativity to Space-Time
20. Black Holes, Wormholes, and Time Travel
21. Quantum Mechanics and Wave - Particle Duality
22. Quantum Mechanics, Spin, and Spooky Action
23. Quantum Mechanics, God, and the Multiverse
24. Do We Live in a Computer Simulation?